Notification

All food businesses are required to notify Council of their activities under the Food Act 2001.

Notifications can be submitted by completing the following online form Food Business Notification - online form

For more information, please contact Council's Environmental Health Officers on 8391 7200 or email Health@mountbarker.sa.gov.au

Food Safety Training

Food handlers are not required to have formal qualifications in food handling; however, food businesses must ensure that staff who handle food or who supervise this work have skills and knowledge in food safety and food hygiene commensurate to their duties. This can be achieved through in-house training, provision of food safety information, and online or face to face courses.

TAFE SA offer an accredited short course designed to help you increase your knowledge of food safety. Training is delivered online with a half day face-to-face assessment at a TAFE SA campus with a cookery lecturer. A fee applies for participation. For more information including training dates, visit the TAFE SA website.

The following courses are available online free of charge for both commercial and volunteer food handlers:

• I’M ALERT – Interactive online food safety training - Food Safety Online Training Flyer

To access the course go to: www.mountbarker.imalert.com.au

• ‘DoFoodSafely’ - Online learning program http://dofoodsafely.health.vic.gov.au

Further information on the skills and knowledge requirements for food handlers can be found at: www.foodstandards.gov.au

Food businesses captured by Standard 3.2.2A  must appoint a qualified food safety supervisor. There may be more than one supervisor appointed for each business to reasonably oversee day to day handling operations, help food handlers to handle food safely, and make sure food safety risks are managed.

Training to become a food safety supervisor can only be attained through a registered training organisation that offer the food safety supervisor skill set/units. A list of organisations who can offer food safety supervisor certification in SA can be found on the SA Health website.

Starting A Food Business

All food businesses in South Australia must notify their local council of their activities under the Food Act 2001. The proprietor of the business is required to provide written notification (using the approved form) before commencing business activities. There is no charge for notification, however penalties may apply should notification not be received by council.

The Food Business Notification (FBN) Form can be accessed here. You will receive confirmation of your notification that includes a unique FBN number. It is important to keep this number as proof of notification.

It is recommended that you contact Council’s EHOs to arrange a pre-opening inspection of your premises prior to conducting any business operations. This provides opportunity for you to receive advice on the fit out and intended operations of the premises, as well as ensuring you are complying with the requirements of the Food Safety Standards prior to operation, potentially saving time, money and hassle in the future.

Once your business is operating, Council's EHOs will conduct routine inspections to ensure compliance with the relevant food safety legislation, and to provide ongoing advice and education. The frequency of inspections is based on the risk classification of the business (determined by the types of food being handled and the compliance history of the business). Inspections may also be conducted to investigate complaints made in relation to the food business. Please note that inspection fees apply. Please see council’s Register of Fees and Charges for current inspection fees.

The Department of Health

Inspection Fees

Councils now have the option to impose fees for the inspection of food premises and transport vehicles.

Councils fees and charges schedule lists the food business inspection fees.

Increased Penalties

The penalties under the Food Act 2001 are significantly higher than the penalties under the 'old' Food Act 1985.

Food Allergens

Food allergy is very serious, causing illness and even death. The most severe allergic reaction is known as anaphylaxis – which is potentially life threatening.

Food businesses must be aware of their responsibility to declare or manage allergens, or the requirement to recall, or the requirement to quarantine recalled products.

Please refer to the SA Health website for more information about allergen information for food businesses.

Free allergen management training is available at foodallergytraining.org.au