• Any business handling or selling food or drinks must notify Council about its food operations. This requirement applies to food service, food manufacturing, charitable or community events, and home-based businesses.
• No matter the size of your business, you must comply with the Food Act 2001 and Food Safety Standards
• City of Playford Environmental Health Officers conduct routine food inspections at all businesses selling food, to ensure the food safety standards are being met.
• Inspection frequency is determined by the food handling activities and previous inspection compliance history.
• Inspection fees may apply in accordance with Councils Food Inspection Procedure

Standard 3.2.2a – Food Safety Management Tools

In December 2022, new food safety legislation was introduced.

Standard 3.2.2a requires:

Category 1 Businesses (e.g., restaurants, bakeries, fast food, caterers) to:

• Appoint a Food Safety Supervisor with nationally recognised training.
• Ensure all food handlers complete appropriate food safety training, like the free DoFoodSafely program.
• Maintain accurate food safety records and/or procedures demonstrating compliance.

Category 2 Businesses (e.g., delis, supermarkets, service stations) to:

• Appoint a Food Safety Supervisor with nationally recognised training.
• Ensure all food handlers complete appropriate food safety training, like the free DoFoodSafely program.
• Charities, sporting clubs, community or not for profit organisations, will generally be required to comply depending on food handling activities and frequency, as outlined here: Fact sheet for charities and not-for-profit.

General food safety information for business can be found here: SA Health food safety information for businesses

To start your food business in the City of Playford, you are legally required to notify Council. We will arrange a free preliminary food safety inspection to ensure your business meets all food safety requirements before opening.

Home domestic kitchens can be used for low risk food businesses, that produce or package small quantities of food, such as cakes, biscuits and jams. Home businesses are legally required to notify Council and comply with the Food Safety Standards. Refer to Home Based Business Guidelines

If you are preparing or selling food for a temporary or once-off event, complete and return the Temporary Food Notification Form Event Notification Form 14 days prior to the event to eho@playford.sa.gov.au

The Food Safety Rating Scheme gives food businesses a star rating based on how well they follow food safety requirements. Businesses that score 3-5 stars receive a certificate to voluntarily display. This helps customers choose safe places to eat and helps businesses to promote their food safety performance. Businesses can work with local councils to improve their score. Ratings are given during routine inspections.

If your business sells packaged foods, you may need to comply with specific labelling requirements. SA Health has created a Labelling Guide for Businesses to help you understand these requirements.

Food allergies can be life-threatening. Food businesses must take responsibility for accurately declaring and managing allergens, as well as recalling or quarantining affected products when necessary.

Allergen information for food businesses | SA Health

Australian food recall alerts | FSANZ

• Hospitals, aged care, childcare and meal delivery organisations are required to comply with Food Safety Audit Standard.

The City of Playford Environmental Health Officers are qualified food safety auditors. To book an audit:

Call: 8256 0333

Email eho@playford.sa.gov.au

Food safety at home keeps your family healthy. Proper food handling, cooking, and storage prevent harmful bacteria and food poisoning. Simple steps like handwashing, using clean utensils, and separating raw and cooked foods reduce risks. Information and resources to help manage food safety at home are available:

Food safety at home | Food Safety Information Council

Keeping your food safe

Food Safety Rating Scheme star ratings are given to businesses that demonstrate compliance with food safety standards. Businesses can choose to display their certificates, which will help you make informed choices about where to eat.

Food Safety Rating Scheme for consumers | SA Health

If you have concerns about food safety at a business within the City of Playford, our Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) investigate complaints, such as food poisoning, poor food handling, or foreign objects in food etc. If you suspect food poisoning, seek medical attention right away.

To report an issue contact:

Call 08 8256 0333

Email: eho@playford.sa.gov.au

To manage food allergies and intolerances, always check labels for allergens and "may contain" warnings. Ask questions about ingredients and cross-contamination when buying unpackaged food and inform staff of your allergies. Carry emergency medication if needed and avoid self-service areas. Report mislabelled products here - healthfood@sa.gov.au.

Food allergies and intolerances | SA Health

During emergencies, food safety is crucial to prevent illness. Power outages, natural disasters, or accidents can affect food storage. It is important to keep perishables cold, avoid risky foods, and wash hands and surfaces properly to prevent foodborne illness.

Food safety in an Emergency | SA Health

Call: 08 8256 0333

Email: eho@playford.sa.gov.au

The frequency of inspections is dependent upon your food business classification under the South Australian Food Business Risk Classification, and:

• the level of risk associated with the foods prepared by the business
• compliance history
• food safety skills and knowledge of staff and proprietors

All food businesses are charged a fee for food inspections as prescribed in the South Australia Food Regulations 2017 in-line with City of Playford’s Food Inspection Fee Policy. Fee exceptions are given for not-for-profit or charitable organisations.