Get approval for a food business

Make sure you have all the right permissions before you start trading.

Project Status: When you need to do this

What you need to do

New premises registration and change of existing registration formPDF · 983.44 KB · Last modified

Before you start

Find a suitable premises

  • Make sure the premises is large enough and has a kitchen exhaust or room for one to be installed. The exhaust must discharge vertically above the roof level and not adversely affect another household or business. Further smoke or odour controls may be necessary.
  • If a grease trap is required by Sydney Water, it mustn’t be installed in any kitchen, food preparation or food storage areas. You should be able to empty the trap from the boundary of the property.

New laws for food businesses

From 8 December 2023, businesses handling unpackaged, potentially hazardous foods must:

  • employ a qualified onsite food safety supervisor
  • train all food handlers in safety and hygiene
  • demonstrate food safety.

Businesses that slice, weigh, repack, reheat, or hot-hold food they didn't make must also have a qualified onsite food safety supervisor and trained food handlers.

Changes impact retail, hospitality, school canteens, childcare centres, charities, delis and more. The NSW Food Authority offers resources and free online training to prepare for the new Standard. Use a quick quiz to check if the changes apply to you.

Service NSW

Learn how to set up your business, apply for business and tax registrations, and explore industry-specific resources to help get your business on the right track. Specific services are also available for a variety of industries.

After you finish

Once all appropriate approvals have been issued, you can start trading.

Food premises inspections are not required before you start trading. Once you've registered the City of Sydney will carry out random, unannounced inspections. All food businesses inspected will be charged a fee for inspection.