Thinking of selling food? Don't forget to notify Council first
Whyalla City Council is reminding residents and community groups who sell food that they must notify Council before starting operations, a requirement under the Food Act 2001.
This is about ensuring food businesses – whether large or small, commercial or community-based – meet South Australian health standards that protect the public.
When food businesses notify Council, it allows the Environmental Health Officer to provide advice on:
- Food safety standards and safe handling practices.
- Suitability of premises, including design and construction.
- Required training, such as Food Safety Supervisor courses.
- Links with other regulatory agencies like PIRSA and SA Health.
Council emphasises that home-based food businesses are held to the same standards as commercial operations and must also notify, even if they operate only occasionally. Notification is free and helps prevent costly mistakes, such as investing in unsuitable equipment or premises. Charities and community groups also need to notify if they sell food. “Selling” includes sausage sizzles, school fetes, cake stalls, or even accepting donations for food at events.
Environmental Health Officer, Zachary Searle, said the notification process is designed to protect both the community and the food business operator, “We’ve seen situations where residents started food businesses without notifying Council, not realising the legal requirements. Unfortunately, this can lead to health risks and, in some cases, expensive mistakes. Our role is to educate and support not to discourage. We encourage anyone thinking about starting a food business, no matter how small, to contact us first and we can help ensure everything is set up safely and correctly.”
Quick Tips on Food Business Notification
- There is no fee to notify Council.
- Mobile food businesses must notify the Council where the vehicle is garaged.
- Caterers must notify where food and equipment are mainly stored and handled.
- Home-based businesses are subject to inspections to ensure their kitchen meets standards.
- Changes in ownership, location, or type of food handled must also be reported.
Every year, more than 1.5 million Australians suffer from food-related illness. Proper notification and compliance with food safety standards help reduce that risk and ensure that food sold in Whyalla is safe, clean, and handled properly.
For more information, visit the SA Health website here!
or contact Whyalla City Council’s Environmental Health Officer at council@whyalla.sa.gov.au or 8640 3444