Food Business Approval
If you sell or provide food to the public, the Shire of Nannup must be notified of your food business. This is a requirement under the Food Act 2008 (WA).
Food business approval helps to:
- Ensure food premises and equipment are suitable
- Provide guidance and support to meet food safety requirements
- Protect public health by ensuring food is safe to eat
The Shire registers and inspects food businesses operating within the community. Inspections are conducted in a risk-based and supportive manner to help businesses manage food safety effectively.
You must obtain the appropriate approval before you start selling food, even if your business is small-scale, occasional, or community-based.
Food business risk categories
Food businesses are classified based on the level of food safety risk involved.
Typical classifications include:
- Notification only (Exempt)
e.g. selling pre-packaged confectionery
- Registration – Very Low / Low Risk
e.g. small-scale jam or relish making, cookies or cakes (without cream or other non-shelf-stable fillings), simple low-risk food handling
- Registration – Medium Risk
e.g. preparing ready-to-eat food such as cafés, takeaways, or food vans
- Registration – High Risk
e.g. complex food preparation or preparation of food for vulnerable persons
Risk classification determines frequency of inspections and fees.
Food safety training and supervision
All food businesses must ensure that food handlers have appropriate skills and knowledge to handle food safely, regardless of business size or frequency of operation.
Food safety training
The Shire supports businesses by providing access to the following training options:
- FoodSafe Online – Provided free to Shire of Nannup food businesses (use discount code FSNANNU334). Includes interactive modules and quizzes, with a training acknowledgement available on completion for your records.
- DoFoodSafely – A short, free course (approx. 1 hour) covering safe food handling practices. Includes a quiz, with a certificate issued on successful completion (90% pass mark). Available in multiple languages.
Food businesses should ensure all staff complete appropriate training before handling food.
Food Safety Supervisor training
Food Safety Supervisors are required where food businesses handle unpackaged, potentially hazardous food that is:
- used in the preparation of ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous food to be served to a consumer, or
- ready-to-eat food intended for retail sale by that business
A Food Safety Supervisor must:
- Hold a recognised food safety qualification
- Be able to supervise safe food handling practices
- Be reasonably available to the business
These requirements form part of the national food safety standards. Further information, including a list of WA-based registered training organisations, is available here.
What else do I need to consider?
When planning your food business, there are several key approvals and requirements to consider.
Development approval
You may need development approval if:
- You are starting a new food business
- You are operating outside of a commercial zone
- The use of a building is changing (e.g. house to café)
Confirm planning requirements before committing to a site or fit-out.
Building approval
Building approval is required if physical works are proposed, such as:
- Structural alterations
- Changes to plumbing or drainage
- Change of building classification (e.g. residential to commercial)
The Shire can advise whether a building permit is required.
Premises suitability
Your premises (including mobile food vehicles, temporary stalls, and home-based setups) must comply with the Food Standards Code.
This includes:
- Adequate handwashing facilities
- Suitable food preparation areas
- Protection from contamination
- Appropriate storage and temperature control
Wastewater and water supply
You must ensure appropriate waste disposal and access to safe water.
- A trade waste permit and/or grease trap may be required through the Water Corporation if connected to mains sewer
- If mains sewer is not available, Shire approval may be required to install or upgrade a grease trap and/or onsite effluent disposal system
- A potable water supply must be provided for drinking, handwashing and food preparation
- For sites without a mains water connection, routine water sampling may be required by the Shire
What will it cost?
|
Notification
|
Very Low / Low Risk
|
Medium Risk
|
High Risk
|
|
Application Fee
|
$70.00
|
$140.00
|
$140.00
|
$140.00
|
|
Annual Service Fee
|
$0.00
|
$110.00
|
$250.00
|
$400.00
|
Note: Genuine charitable and community groups are exempt from fees but must still notify or register.
How do I submit my application?
Applications can be submitted via:
- Email: nannup@nannup.wa.gov.au
- In person: Shire of Nannup Administration Office
- Post: PO Box 18, Nannup WA 6275
Who can I contact if I need more information?
Environmental Health Services
Phone: (08) 9756 1018
Email: nannup@nannup.wa.gov.au