Manufacturer/Wholesaler Food Inspection Program

Businesses that manufacture or wholesale food in NSW fall under the NSW Food Authority’s Manufacturer/Wholesaler Food Inspection Program and will need to have inspections to check they are meeting their legal responsibilities in keeping food safe.

Definition of a food business

Any business, enterprise or activity that involves the handling of food intended for sale, or the sale of food.

They may be commercial, charitable or community based, and are included even if the handling or sale of food is on one occasion only.

Legal responsibilities of a food business proprietor

All food businesses that are not licensed with the Authority need to notify the Authority of their operations.

All food businesses in NSW are legally obliged to comply with the Food Standards Code (the Code).

Inspections

The Authority will contact businesses about their risk rating and inspection requirements.

Inspection frequency is based on risk and performance:

• the type of food being handled and sold (eg pre-packaged vs freshly made) and
• previous compliance history of the business

If serious food safety issues are identified during an inspection, the inspection frequency (generally one per year) will be increased.

During an inspection the Authority’s authorised officers will focus on:

• cleaning and sanitising of food contact surfaces
• temperature control (eg temperature of stored and displayed foods)
• hygiene of food handlers (eg hand washing)
• pest control
• construction and maintenance of the premises
• food handling practices (eg minimising cross contamination)
• the safety and suitability of food sold.

Costs

The program will incur:

• an annual administration fee (only charged for businesses the Authority identifies as high risk)
• an inspection fee (based on an hourly rate)

The administration fee is based on the number of full-time equivalent food handlers employed.

Food businesses that operate for the sole purpose of raising funds for a community or charitable cause are exempt from charges.