Food Premises

All food businesses and community groups engaging in the sale or provision of food, are subject to the requirements of the Food Act 2008 and Food Regulations 2009. Namely, you will be required to complete a registration/notification process. The Act is the principle piece of legislation regulating the sale/provision of food in Western Australia and provides food safety regulation over the entire food supply chain; a paddock to plate approach. This represents a significant shift in the direction of food regulation and management within WA.

The construction, operation, and maintenance standards for food premises are outlined in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

If you have an approved food premises, an appropriately trained Food Safety Supervisor must be nominated and their details provided to the Shire. 

Food safety management tools include:

• Appointing a Food Safety Supervisor who has undertaken a relevant food safety training course.
• Food handler training or holding the necessary skills and knowledge in safe food handling.
• Managing food safety controls and record keeping.

For further information on Food Safety Management Tools for Food Businesses see the Department of Health website. There is also a Guide for food businesses on Food Safety Standard 3.2.2A 

Register your food business

One of the critical requirements if you are selling prepared food to the public, is to register your food business by completing a registration/notification form and paying the relevant application fee. Once we receive your registration, it will be assessed and if compliant, a certificate of registration will be issued. You only need to register once, but you are required to notify the Shire of any changes since your original application.

An annual inspection fee is payable by food businesses and is determined based on the risk assigned to your business as noted on your Food Business Registration Certificate.

Registration with the Shire will also enable you to trade at Shire approved events/markets (with the event/market manager's approval).

Food Business Registration/Notification Form

Charitable community groups 

If your charitable organisation (such as a nursing home) or community group (such as a school canteen run by the P & C) is providing food to the public, you also need to complete the registration/notification form. Once you notify us, we'll assess your application and if compliant, issue a certificate of notification. You may be exempt from all or some of the fees.

Preparing food in residential premises for sale/provision to the public, requires the approval of the Shire. You will need to complete the registration/notification form, pay the relevant application fee and ensure you comply with the Food Standards Code. For further information, refer to the above 'Register your food business'.

Shire approval for home food businesses, will only be given for foods that are not potentially hazardous. Potentially hazardous foods means food that is capable of supporting rapid growth of infectious or toxigenic micro-organism (e.g. raw or cooked meat, poultry, seafood, egg or dairy based products and cooked rice).

If the use of your home kitchen is a one-off for a fundraising event, you may wish to submit a temporary food stall application instead.