Food safety

What is a Food Business?

All business that are selling food are required to notify their local Council. Under the South Australian Food Act, a food business means a business, enterprise or activity (other than a primary food production business) that involves the handling of food intended for sale or the sale of food – regardless of whether the business, enterprise or activity concerned is of a commercial, charitable or community nature, or whether it involves the handling or sale of food on one occasion only. Such businesses as restaurants, cafes, takeaways, supermarkets, processor/manufacturer, bed and breakfasts, home-based kitchens, chemists, service stations, food stalls at markets, or any business that sells packaged food.

Food Business Notification

Businesses are required to notify the appropriate enforcement agency of their operations within 14 days of beginning operations; changes in ownership or contact information. Operating a food business without notifying Council is an offence and penalties may apply. Notification is free of charge.

SF117 Food Business Notification Form

Home based food businesses

If you’re a home-based food business, you are required to meet the same food safety requirements as other food businesses – regardless of the size of your operation, or how often you sell food. Notification is required for home-based food businesses.

Temporary Food Businesses

If your business sells food at temporary events like markets, fetes or shows you need to meet the same food safety requirements as other food businesses, regardless of the size of your business or how often you sell food. This includes charity and community groups that sell or provide food.

More information on selling temporary food at markets, fetes or stalls can be found here:

Food Standards AUS & NZ: Temporary Food Premises

Food Safety & Hygiene

Councils Environmental Health Officer has a role to ensure that all food businesses with the Yorke Peninsula Council region operate in accordance with the Food Safety Standards. This is achieved through ensuring food businesses as complying with the relevant legislative requirements included in:

South Australian Food Act 2001
South Australian Food Regulations 2017
Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

Food safety rating scheme

The Yorke Peninsula Council is participating in the voluntary state-wide Food Safety Rating Scheme. The Food Safety Rating Scheme provides information about how well local businesses comply with the Food Safety Standards at the time of their unannounced routine inspection through a star rating to allow the community to make informed choices about where they decide to purchase food.

5 Stars = Excellent

4 Stars = Very Good

3 Stars = Good

Food businesses who do not receive a rating of 3 or more stars are not eligible for participation in the Scheme.

Not all food businesses are part of the Scheme. Businesses that may take part in the Scheme include those who sell food that is normally consumed at the time of purchase or soon after, businesses such as;