Prior to the construction of a new food business or alteration of an existing food business, approval must be sought from Shire of Mundaring.

Steps to obtaining approval for a food business

  1. Obtain Planning Approval (if applicable)
  2. Submit an Application to Establish a Food Business and an Application for Building Permit (if applicable)
  3. Commence fit-out of business in accordance with both an Approval to Establish a Food Business, and Approval for Building Permit (if applicable)
  4. Once fit-out is complete, arrange inspection of the business with an Environmental Health Officer
  5. Upon successful inspection your Certificate of Food Business Registration will be issued.
  6. Business may commence operations.

The business will be subject to an annual food business fee which is to be paid on a financial year basis. This fee varies depending on the Risk Rating of the business.

Application for Approval to Construct, Establish or Alter a Food Premise/Vehicle (PDF)

Find out about requirements for the different types of food businesses below.

Home food business

In order to operate a food business from a residential premises there are certain requirements that need to be addressed. Certain foods may not be approved for production from a residential kitchen.

Important note: Shire of Mundaring will only consider applications for a home food business if the proposed products are low risk.

The following is a guide of low risk food activities as listed by the Department of Health.

Foods that are low risk

The following list is a guide of low risk food activities as listed by the Department of Health:

  • Jams, marmalades, preserves, sauces
  • Flour-based products that do not contain potentially hazardous foods such as cream and custards
  • Cake decorating
  • Fudges, nougats, meringues
  • Repackaging of low risk products (coffee, tea, confectionary etc)
  • Pickled onions
  • Herb vinegars with a pH less than 4.5.

Foods that are not low risk

The following are examples of food that are not considered low risk:

  • Fermented products (i.e. kombucha)
  • Home-made chocolates
  • Seed and spice mixes
  • Dehydrated fruit and vegetables
  • Oils (pressed or infused)
  • Dairy products (cheese, yoghurt, ice-cream, custard)
  • Cakes with a high moisture content or when using cream or cream cheese
  • Sorbet
  • Ready-to-eat products such as sushi, sandwiches, salads, pastries, mustard and soups.

Kitchen standards

The following is a list of items you should consider in relation to whether or not your kitchen is suitable as a home food business:

  • Kitchen is in an excellent state of repair
  • Kitchen is kept in a clean condition
  • All floors and walls are smooth, impervious and easy to clean
  • You have a designated area within the house specific for the storage of business products (i.e. cupboard, shelf)
  • The items you are producing must be stored in new, sterilised containers/glass jars
  • No pets permitted in the kitchen.

Ways you may operate

The Shire of Mundaring understands that home business may wish to sell their products in different ways. Please see below for any additional requirements that may be relevant.

  • Selling products from home
    • Planning approval
    • Labelling (as a minimum you require an ingredient list as well as business name and address).
  •  Delivering products direct to your customers
    • Labelling (as a minimum you require an ingredient list as well as business name and address)
    • Appropriate transport measures.
  •  Selling products at markets
    • Stallholder application and associated fees (fees vary depending on which Local Government you intend to hold your stall in)
    • If products are packaged you will need to comply with full labelling requirements.
  •  Selling products to stores for on-selling
    • If products are packaged you will need to comply with full labelling requirements.

Food Standards Code

The Food Act 2008 adopts the Food Standards Code, which outlines specific requirements that are mandatory for all food businesses to comply with, including food businesses operating from a home kitchen.

Mobile food business

Mobile food businesses are subject to the same requirements as any other food business. The fit out of the business must be in accordance with the Food Standards Code Australia and New Zealand.

More information and contact

For more information on setting up a food business, please contact us.

See also: Food Safety Training