Food Premises Inspections

Council inspects all food premises at least once a year

The Council is responsible for inspecting local businesses that sell food to the public.

Our inspectors check food businesses against the current food legislation. This legislation sets out standards that need to be met on aspects such as food storage, vermin and insect control, conduct of food handlers and equipment requirements.

The outcome of an inspection is often a qualified pass, which results in a list of items that need to be fixed before the next visit. A business will be issued a failed result if the inspector determines there is a need for immediate work. This could be cleaning or improved food handling. A timeframe is given and the business is then re-inspected to ensure compliance.

If there was immediate danger to the public or serious concerns about food safety, Council would notify Public Health, which has the power to close a business until the situation is remedied.

Our Council, like many others, does not currently have a grading system. However, the government has legislation in the pipeline (the Food Bill) that proposes to introduce a nationwide grading system.