Food business notification

All food businesses in NSW must either:

• Hold a current NSW Food Authority licence (this applies only to specific food businesses in sectors covered by a Regulation under the Food Act 2003 (NSW); or
• Notify the Authority of their food activity details. This applies to almost all other food businesses and includes those involved in temporary events and businesses which sell any sort of food or food ingredient as any part of their business. It is required by national food law (Food Safety Standard 3.2.2)

The only exceptions to either of the above are for not-for-profit fundraising events, which are not required to notify.

• Notify your food business online

As well as notification, all food businesses must comply with the relevant food standards (see NSW food business legislation and standards for more information)

The resource centre contains information to help businesses comply.

You need to keep your notification up to date if any of your details change after you have notified, so its a good idea to keep your reference number and password.

Notification records are private for each food business, so if you purchase an existing business you need to notify the business again with your details.

Notification of food businesses allows the Authority to maintain a close relationship with all businesses. For example, it means we can keep you informed and updated on changes to food legislation.

You can notify your business either of two ways:

1. Internet: Submit your notification and keep it updated via the Internet. It is fast, free of charge and provides you with an instant certificate of confirmation. Follow instructions on how to complete your notification online at www.foodnotify.nsw.gov.au. Print out and keep the last page which will contain your reference number and password.
2. Paper form: Paper forms can be submitted to the Authority directly. All paper forms incur a processing charge of $55.00 (GST included). Contact the Authority's Food Notification Help Desk on 1300 650 124 to obtain a form.

If you have already notified the Authority, you will have a Food Business Confirmation Reference Number. The number appears on the certificate when you submit your notification. You may be requested to demonstrate to the Authority that your food business has been notified, in which case you can quote your Food Business Confirmation Reference Number.

If you sell or close your business please telephone the Authority's Food Notification Help Desk on 1300 650 124 to advise them to deactivate your notification.

There are significant fines for failing to be notified as a food business before trading commences. Since April 2004, new fines have been imposed, including up to $55,000 (maximum penalty) for single businesses and $275,000 (maximum penalty) for corporations (Section 100, NSW Food Act 2003).

If you are not sure whether you have notified your food business, or you can’t find your Food Business Confirmation Reference Number, please contact the Authority's Food Notification Help Desk on 1300 650 124.

Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) notification

Certain hospitality and retail food service sector businesses must also designate a FSS and notify the FSS' details. For details see the NSW Food Authority's FSS Guide for businesses.

To notify of your Food Safety Supervisor go to notify a food safety supervisor.