Food Handling

Food Safety & Hygiene

Council's Environmental Health Officer has a role to ensure that food businesses within the Rural City of Murray Bridge operate in accordance with the Food Safety Standards. This is achieved through a range of services and programs including:

• Regular food Inspections of food premises
• Investigating food complaints
• Investigation of food poisoning incidents
• Distributing food safety kits

Food operators must comply with the relevant legislative requirements which include:

• Food Act 2001
• Food Regulations 2002
• Food Safety Standards (FSANZ Food Standards Code Chapter 3)

More information about roles and responsibilities of food business can be obtained from the  SA Department of Health Food Safety Section & Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ). If food is imported or exported, it must comply with requirements from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

Food Business Notification

New food businesses are required to notify Council before commencement of operation and complete a Food Business Notification Form.

Notification only needs to be completed once unless the food business details change, such as owners, name and address.

To notify complete and return the form Food Business Notification Form and return it to the Rural City of Murray Bridge at PO Box 421, Murray Bridge SA 5253.

Temporary Food Businesses

Many events involving the sale or supply of food occur throughout the community during the year. These include community fundraisers, school fetes, sausage sizzles, weekend markets, festivals and concerts.

All organisations that sell or handle food for sale are defined as a food business and must notify the Rural City of Murray Bridge. This includes food sold for fundraising or charitable events. This can be done by filling out the Temporary Food Premises application and returning it to the Local Council.  A copy of the guideline is available here

Some issues to consider when organising your temporary food stall include:

• Hand washing facilities
• Safe food storage
• Cooking and heating facilities
• Food packaging and labelling
• Waste management and disposal
• Sufficient water supply

Food Safety Short Courses

To increase knowledge and to enhance the level of professionalism within the region, TAFE SA and the Rural City of Murray Bridge are offering an accredited short course in food safety. This interactive course is appropriate for anyone involved.

The Session covers:

• Legal Requirements of Food Safety
• Preventing Food Spoilage
• Pests and Waste Control
• Cause and Effect of Food Poisoning
• Food Handling Practices
• Storage of Food and Personal Hygiene

Enrolments and Queries contact: Nigel Plaskett 0457 884 332 or Kadina Campus 08 8821 0400