All food businesses have obligations under the Food Act 2006 and the Food Standards Code Australia and New Zealand. Council is responsible for monitoring compliance with Chapter 3 of the Food Standards Code, the Food Safety Standards.

The majority of food businesses require a Food Licence issued by the Local Government. If you are taking over an existing food business you may wish to complete a Land Record Search prior to signing a contract or lease agreement.

If you intend to build or renovate a food premises please refer to Council’s Guide to making application to construct or refit a food premises.  You will be required to complete an application to construct or refit premises and submit plans and specifications of the proposed fit-out.

Free Online Food Safety Training

The Douglas Shire Council takes food hygiene within our region very seriously. All food businesses have obligations and the Douglas Shire Council is assisting food businesses to meet these obligations by providing free access to this exciting new training tool.

There is a high demand for training within the food sector. This training will assist food handlers in developing the required skills and knowledge to ensure food is handled in a safe and hygienic manner.

The program is easy to follow, includes an entertaining presentation as well as interactive quizzes and the ability to view Chinese text and captions. A training acknowledgement form can be printed upon completion and be kept as a part of your staff records.

Learn more about the course here or visit douglas.imalert.com.au to conduct the training now.

Further information and fact sheets relating to food safety can be found on the Queensland Health website or by contacting Council’s Environmental Health and Regulatory Services Unit on (07) 4099 9444.

Environmental Health Officers work with the local food industry to maintain the highest standards.  These include:

  • Advice on food safety standards.
  • Guidance on compliance with food hygiene requirements.
  • Monitoring food businesses.
  • Free online Food Safety Training
  • Co-operating with the food industry to improve standards.
  • Providing multi-language food hygiene information.
  • Providing education programs for schools.
  • Advice on Food Safety for community and charity groups.

 

IMPORTANT LINKS

FOOD SAFETY APPLICATIONS & GUIDELINES