Are you a food business in the City of Mitcham? Find information about food safety and training, how to notify Council and how to get a Food Safety Certificate to display.
Food safety
If you operate – or plan to operate – a food service business, you need to adhere to a range of legislation, and we are here to help you ensure your food handling meets all the legal requirements.
There are over 400 food businesses that operate within our council area, including mobile and home-based business, and they all need to comply with the Food Act 2001, Food Regulations 2002 and the Food Safety Standards.
We promote food safety and help you meet legislative requirements by:
- conducting routine food safety inspections
- investigating complaints
- providing information, training and education about safe food handling practices
- conducting food safety audits at food businesses that service food to vulnerable populations (aged care, hospitals, delivered meals and childcare businesses)
- assisting SA Health with food recalls and food poisoning outbreak situations
Food legislation, fact sheets, food safety and education information are available from the Department of Health.
Does the new Food Safety Management Tools Standard apply to your business?
The new Food Safety Management Tools Standard applies to most caterers, food service and food retail businesses. If you are a food business that is affected you must implement the new Food Safety Management Tools Standard before 8 December 2023.
Visit SA Health to find out more.
If you own or run a food business you need to notify Council
If you plan to open a new food business we can provide advice, review your design plans and arrange a free pre-opening inspection. It's a great way to make sure you understand what requirements your business needs to meet and if your design and fit out of your premises meets legislation. To make an appointment contact the Environmental Health Team on 1300 133 466.
If you are a food business you need to complete the new food business or change to a food business notification form. This information helps us know where your food businesses is, the nature of the food business, how we can contact you and allows us to provide you with food safety information. You only need to notify us once unless your details change. There is no fee however, penalties can apply if businesses fail to notify.
It is a legal requirement that all food businesses within the council area, notify Council of their business and contact details before commencing any food handling operations.
Notification is easy just complete a notify Council of a new food business or change to a food business
Does your business prepare food for service to vulnerable people?
If you are a business that prepares food for service to vulnerable person such as a hospital, aged care, child care centres or delivers meals then you will need a food safety program to comply with the Food Safety Standard.
The Department of Health has developed food safety program templates for hospitals, aged care and child care to assist businesses to establish their own food safety program.
You can download the food safety programs templates from SA Health's website.
You will need to arrange an SA Health approved auditor to check that your food safety program is suitable for your business and you have the correct processes in place. Fees apply.
To arrange for an audit for your business, please contact the Environmental Health Team on 1300 133 466.
Food safety rating scheme
The Food Safety Rating Scheme uses star ratings to help diners make informed choices about where they eat or buy food.
How food businesses are rated
Food businesses are rated based on how well they comply with food safety laws. The star rating is calculated using the results of routine inspections by our Environmental Health Officers who have specific training in hygiene and food safety. Displaying the certificate is voluntary.
Businesses are awarded a rating of up to five stars on a certificate:
5 stars: Excellent
4 stars: Very good
3 stars: Good
Businesses that don’t meet food safety laws aren’t awarded a certificate.
What businesses take part in the scheme?
Businesses that sell food that’s normally consumed at the time of purchase (or soon after), can take part in the scheme. These include:
Restaurants
Cafes
Take-aways
Bakeries selling ready-to-eat processed food, such as pies
Food safety training
Did you know it is a requirement of the Food Safety Standards that food handlers have adequate skills and knowledge?
To help businesses with their training needs we encourage you to complete the free online food safety training program.