Tips to Start a Food Business in Brisbane

Do you want to start up your own food business? It is always challenging to get into the most competitive industry, especially if you don’t have any prior experience. The food industry in Queensland is a set of complex activities that has changed vastly in the past few years due to the changing needs of customers. However, this particular industry has suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic, but doing great post pandemic. Whether you want to operate a food business from commercial premises in Brisbane, residential premises or a mobile vehicle, you need a licence for your food business from Brisbane City Council. If you are taking over an established restaurant, you need a licence to run a business. Below are some important tips to keep in mind while starting a food business in Brisbane:

1. Planning Approval

Make sure you check whether you need planning, plumbing and building approval when commencing a new food business or not. The planning scheme of Brisbane City Council guides how land can be utilised and developed, including the suitability of a particular location for mobile food business or home-based one. It is easy to set-up a home-based business with great tips and tricks.

2. Applying for the Licence

You need a food business licence and for that, you need to fill the application form with the relevant fee at Council offices or by surface mail. When the Council examines the application, they will keep a close on the appropriate skills and set knowledge of an applicant related to selling safe and suitable food. Applications can easily be submitted online through the Food Business Approvals Form.

3. Food Safety Supervisor

Your licensable food business must have a food safety supervisor. You can simply inform Council of your food safety supervisor with your food business license application. Make sure you do this within a month of your licence application being approved. You may also need to submit a food safety program in case your business engages in the activities of preparing and serving food at a child care centres, aged care centres and private hospitals.

4. Get Approval for Home-based Food Business

If you are planning to start a home based food business in Brisbane, the Council will check your application and approve if it meets all the safety guidelines in your home. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

Always keep your food for business separate from household food items.
All tools and equipment needs to be stored in a safe and clean place. Keep them protected from pests, dust, mould and grime.
Potentially hazardous food should be stored below 5⁰C. They will also check if you have enough refrigerator space for your business or not.
If you are preparing and cooling food in bulk, make sure you have enough room in your fridge so that you can cool it in smaller containers.
Proper supply of electricity
Make sure the surfaces are clean and sanitised. You can gather more information from Queensland Health’s Cleaning and Sanitising page. Make sure you disinfect the premises to keep the viruses, such COVID-19 at bay.

Conclusion

These are some important things to remember when starting a food business in Brisbane. Do thorough research and launch a successful restaurant or cafe without any hassle. You can also focus on strengthening your business after COVID-19 pandemic if you are facing issues.