Food safety & licensing

Food safety is important for everyone. It's estimated that 1 in 5 people in Australia become ill from eating unsafe food each year.

There are more than 1100 licensed food businesses in the Cairns Regional Council area. For public safety, these businesses are closely regulated and must comply with a range of food safety legislation.

If you are thinking of starting, taking over or renovating a food business, read the information carefully to ensure you understand your obligations.

New food safety requirements from December 2023

Food service, caterer and related retail businesses in Australia need to meet new food safety requirements from December 2023. Standard 3.2.2.A contains requirements for food handler training, a food safety supervisor, and evidence that specific food handling activities are being adequately managed. Businesses will need to implement either two or three of these tools depending on their food handling activities.

Guidance on the new Standard 3.2.2A Food Safety Management Tools (PDF 623 kb) is now available as a new chapter in Safe Food Australia and in the FSANZ InfoBite fact sheets .
Appendix 8 - Templates examples (Word 96 kb): revised Word templates for businesses to adapt to their needs, to record food safety management activities, including food temperatures, supplier details and cleaning and sanitising.
Appendix 11 - Food safety culture (PDF 210 kb): why is food safety culture important? Where to start and what strong culture looks like.

Download the Standard 3.2.2A overview InfoBite fact sheet (PDF).

Legislation and regulations

To operate a food business, you must comply with the Food Standards Code, Food Act 2006, Council requirements and various other laws.

Fixed Food Premises

Explore the licensing requirements for food businesses that operate from a building or structure with a fixed location.

Mobile Food Vehicle

Mobile food vehicles must meet the same food safety requirements as other food businesses. Certain locations are restricted or regulated.

Home-based food business

If you intend to process, manufacture, and/or sell food from a domestic kitchen in residential premises, you are considered a home-based food business.

Temporary food premises

Temporary food businesses are temporary structures used to prepare and sell food at occasional events, and are dismantled after the event

Non-profit organisations

Different rules apply to non-profit organisations looking to prepare food. Concessions are available for eligible groups wishing to operate a food business.