Federation Council services and operations will have altered hours for the Australia Day public holiday, Monday 26 January, 2026.
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Local food businesses that serve food to the public are regulated by Federation Council and/or the NSW Food Authority to ensure the food they are preparing and selling is safe for consumption. It is important that food businesses maintain good hygiene practices to avoid illness and food poisoning outbreaks.
Retail food businesses such as cafes, restaurants, takeaway food shops, supermarkets, caterers, hotels, pubs, clubs, schools and canteens are regulated by Councils. While primary production and high risk food premises such as butchers, seafood producers, poultry manufacturers, hospitals and aged care facilities are regulated by NSW Food Authority.
Retail food outlets need to notify their local Council of their business and food activity details.
The Council Environmental Health Officer can provide you with advice and information about the design and fit-out of a new food premise to ensure it complies with legislative requirements.
information that relates to health of food handlers
Download factsheets that relate to food safety.
Retail food premises are regularly inspected by an Environmental Health Officer to ensure they are preparing food safely for consumers.
Federation Council provides a quarterly newsletter called “Federation Food Safety News” to local retail food businesses, community groups and other interested parties.
The Food Act 2003 requires most retail food businesses (i.e. restaurants, cafes, takeaway shops, caterers, pubs, hotels, mobile food vendors etc.) to have at least one trained Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) appointed.
Mobile and temporary food businesses are also required to notify Council that they are operating and must meet the same requirements as fixed premises.
Recent changes to the Food Standards Code have introduced new requirements for all businesses that prepare and serve food in NSW.