Food Businesses
The council manages the registration of food businesses and issues temporary food registrations for food stalls at public events. All businesses within Sorell that sell food to the public must be registered. These businesses are regularly inspected by Environmental Health Officers to ensure they are complying with the Food Act 2003 and Food Standards Code.
This covers all businesses, including:
- Fixed food premises (including accommodation premises serving food)
- Home based businesses
- Storing or preparing food in your domestic home kitchen for sale
- Temporary and mobile food businesses
- Community groups or not-for-profit organisations wishing to sell food.
For more information on the Guidelines for Mobile Food Business and food safety please visit the Department of Health website.
Register a Food Business
Application for Registration/Renewal of a Food Business includes food vans, stalls, tents, marquees and trailers.
The registration period for all food premises is 1 July – 30 June annually. We notify you toward the end of each financial year that your food premise registration is due for renewal. All fees must be paid by 30 June or trade cannot continue.
To apply to register your food business please complete the form below.
If you are only selling low risk pre-packaged food you will still be required to complete the form below.
Temporary Permits
Did you know that you need to apply for food business registration if you want to hold a fundraising BBQ or a market stall selling food?
Registration is a requirement under the Food Act 2003.
You can apply for registration from Council at any time but you must allow at least two weeks for your application to be processed.
To apply for a temporary permit please complete the below on-line form.
Food Safety Training Program
Council provides access to a free online and interactive Food Safety Training Program. Anyone involved in food preparation is encouraged to undertake this training.
Food safety is paramount for every person working in the food industry. The initial course ‘Essential and level 1 food safety training’ is provided by Sorell Council free of charge for all food handlers within our Municipality.
It is a short course that provides the basic skills and knowledge to handle food in a safe manner and meets the minimum requirements for skills and knowledge in the food industry. Sorell Council’s Environmental Health services team conduct inspections of all food businesses and work towards the highest standard for food safety and professionalism when working back of house.
The online course provides a no fuss no contact learning environment for all food handlers prior to starting a job or using it as a refresher course within their own time. All that is required is an internet connection, a computer and a thirst for knowledge.
Once you have completed the new online training, if you would like to provide Council with feedback please feel free to send your feedback to health@sorell.tas.gov.au
Food Safety Supervisor starts in Tasmania
Food Safety Supervisor requirements now apply to certain food businesses in Tasmania under a new, nationwide food safety law.
The Food Safety Supervisor is a person who:
is recently trained to recognise and manage food safety risks and can supervise other food handlers at the business.
For food business operators – your Environmental Health Officer from council will tell you if you need a Food Safety Supervisor and they will check this at your next scheduled food safety inspection. You can find out more on the Department of Health website: www.health.tas.gov.au/food-safety-supervisor