Food Business Licensing

Unregulated food handling and storage is a potential risk to the public's health and safety.  With approximately 300 licensed food businesses in the Gladstone Regional Area it is critical that these businesses are regulated and comply with all relevant food legislation.

Food businesses are required by law to be licensed by their relevant local government authority. 

• Food premises are any premises where food is handled - including temporary structures and mobile food vehicles.
• If you operate a food premises, it must be approved by Council.
• If you operate from more than one location, you will need to hold a licence for each premises.
   

Who needs a licence?

The Food Act 2006 defines what a licensable food business is.

You need a licence if you run a food business that: 

• involves the manufacture of food; or
• involves the retail sale of unpackaged food (e.g. restaurant and takeaway shops) and is not a non-profit organisation; or
• is carried on by a non-profit organisation and involves the sale of meals on at least 12 days each year.

What activities may be exempt? 

• Charity and non-profit organisations are exempt from requiring a food licence if they only operate less than 12 times a year. These groups still need to comply with the food safety standards;
• Organisations who sell unpackaged snack food, such as biscuits, cakes, confectionery, nuts and potato chips that are not classed as potentially hazardous food may be exempt from obtaining a licence.
• The sale of fisheries resources that already have approval under a buyers licence;
• The sale of whole fruit or vegetables, seeds and nuts;
• The sale of drinks other than fruit or vegetable juice processed at the place of sale; or
• The sale of ice, including flavoured ice, such as snow cones.

The Gladstone Regional Council's team of Environmental Health Officers conducts regular inspections on licensed food premises and provides education to the community. Contact us with your food licensing enquiries or consult the wide range of educational material available by clicking the links below:

Find out about...

Applying for a Food Licence

Applying for a New Food Business Licence / Altering an Existing Licence

Transferring a Licence (Sale of Business)

Temporary Food Stall Permits (Events only)

Requirements for Food Businesses

Food Safety Supervisors

Food Safety Programs

I'm ALERT On-line Food Hygiene Training
Click here to go to I'M ALERT

Sign up for the Gladstone Regional Council’s Food Matters newsletter

Developed as an educational resource for Food Businesses in the Gladstone Region, this quarterly newsletter will provide up to date information on food safety matters, helpful tips, advice on training opportunities and any upcoming legislative changes. You are invited to provide feedback and suggestions for newsletter content.

To be added to the mailing distribution list send your contact details to health@gladstonerc.qld.gov.au.

Useful links:

Queensland Health
Food Standards Australia & New Zealand
Safe Food Queensland
Food Safety Information Council

Contact Council's Environmental Health Section for further information:
Phone: (07) 4976 6996
Fax: (07) 4975 8500
Email: Click here
Address: PO Box 29, Gladstone DC Qld 4680
In Person: Gladstone Office, 101 Goondoon Street, Gladstone