Food Business Notification

 

The NSW Food Authority has successfully prosecuted a food business for failing to notify their business in accordance to food legislation.  A fine of $3,200 was issued for this offence by the local court in conjunction with a listing on the NSW Food Authority “Name and Shame” database. 

Food Safety Standard 3.2.2 (Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code) requires all food businesses to notify their existence to the relevant authority.

What is a food business?

A food business is defined as any business, enterprise or activity that sells food or handles food intended for sale.  This includes all commercial, charitable or community based businesses.

How were they identified?

The food activities of the business were uncovered as part of a food poisoning investigation.  Over 50 consumers became ill after the catering event was held.

Court documents stated that after an extensive investigation was conducted by the public health unit it was found that “the severe illness affecting participants was indeed caused by salmonella, and those affected constituted a significant proportion of people who had participated in the event. Further, whilst the investigation revealed that there was considerable cross-contamination of various foodstuffs and the facilities in question, the source of the salmonella was able to be identified with a substantial level of certainty”.

Is your business next?

It is the food businesses responsibility to notify their existence to the relevant authority.  In most cases, this will be either your local council or your State/Territory Food Authority or Health Department.
 
It is recommended that you keep a copy of your notification registration details to produce as required.  This will include providing this information during your 3rd party certification audit as the majority of customer standards require you to comply with your food legal obligations.

http://www.salamandafood.com.au/