Food businesses
If you operate a food business in Albury, you must notify the appropriate authority and meet planning, food safety and inspection requirements.
Opening a food business
Starting a new food business or taking over an existing one? Follow these steps before you begin trading.
1. Check planning requirements
Contact AlburyCity before setting up or taking over a food business to confirm whether planning or building approval is required for the proposed location.
If approval is required, your development consent will outline the conditions you need to meet.
2. Check liquid trade waste requirements
Food businesses that discharge liquid waste to the sewer may need Liquid Trade Waste Discharge Approval.
Most fixed food businesses require a grease trap. Check the requirements that apply to your premises before completing your fit-out.
3. Notify the appropriate authority
Food businesses must notify or register with the appropriate regulatory authority before trading.
- Retail and hospitality food businesses generally notify AlburyCity.
- Wholesale food businesses and retail butchers generally register with the NSW Food Authority.
Check the NSW Food Authority requirements if you're unsure which authority applies to your business.
4. Meet food safety and premises requirements
Your premises, equipment and food-handling practices must comply with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
If planning approval was required, you may also need to submit floor plans for assessment against food-premises requirements. Check your development consent to confirm what is required.
Most businesses handling potentially hazardous food must also appoint a qualified Food Safety Supervisor before beginning operations.
5. Arrange a pre-opening inspection
Once your food business notification has been received, our Environmental Health team will arrange a pre-opening inspection where required.
The inspection checks that the premises and fit-out meet applicable food safety requirements.
You must receive a satisfactory inspection outcome before preparing or selling food.
Inspection fees may apply.
6. Prepare for ongoing inspections
After opening, your business will be inspected to check compliance with food safety requirements.
An initial operational inspection is generally conducted 30 to 60 days after opening. Routine inspections are then undertaken based on factors including the type of food handled and your business's compliance history.
Additional requirements
Some food businesses must also appoint a Food Safety Supervisor or obtain liquid trade waste approval.
Most businesses that prepare or serve potentially hazardous food must appoint a qualified Food Safety Supervisor.
Your Food Safety Supervisor must hold a current certificate from an approved training provider.
Food businesses that discharge liquid trade waste to the sewer may require approval from AlburyCity.
Requirements can include installing and maintaining an appropriate grease trap.
Notify AlburyCity if your business closes, relocates, changes ownership or trading name, or opens another location.
Temporary and mobile food businesses
Different requirements apply to food vans, temporary food stalls and businesses operating at events.
Food businesses operating temporarily in Albury may need to notify AlburyCity even if they are registered with another council.
Food safety resources
Access food-safety training and practical guidance for food handlers, supervisors and mobile food businesses.
