Food Business Information Kit

If you are running a food business, you are part of one of the most dynamic and diverse sectors of the Northern Territory economy.

Food businesses can include cafes, restaurants, caterers, takeaways, tour operators, Bed and Breakfast (B&B) and even some transport operators.

The Food Act is the key piece of legislation for food businesses in the Northern Territory and is administered by the Department of Health and Community Services. It is part of the uniform legislation governing food safety across Australia. The objects of this legislation include:

• ensuring that food for sale is both safe and suitable for human consumption;
• preventing misleading conduct in connection with the sale of food; and
• providing for the application of the Food Standards Code in the Northern Territory.

Under the Food Act all food businesses must be registered and comply with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, which is adminstered by Food Standards Australia New Zealand. This independent statutory body is part of the Australian Government's Department of Health and Ageing portfolio.

Food premises must also comply with the Building Act and Building Regulations and the Building Code of Australia. Food premises are a special use under Schedule 2 of the Building Regulations and the Department of Health and Community Services must report on compliance with Parts H101, H102 and H103 of the Building Code of Australia.

The Food Business Information Kit is designed to help you to establish and run a food business in the Northern Territory. It provides you with information about issues relevant to all businesses, and those specific to food businesses; with a checklist; fact sheets; and details on where to go for help.

First, choose your business type from the list below, consider each topic and decide whether you require additional information. Each time you select Tell me more... additional information relevant to that topic will be displayed and you can choose to add fact sheets to your report for later consideration. A checklist included in your report will help you to address all the issues relevant to your business.

• Market Stall
• Caterer
• Cafe/Restaurant/Takeaway
• Food Manufacturer
• Food Transport
• Tourism Operators
• Other Food Business

The Business Information Kits are provided by the Northern Territory Government in partnership with AusIndustry. Business Information Kits are available for a number of Northern Territory industries from http://www.nt.gov.au/businessinformationkits.

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