In this article, Food Agent Australia’s design and food licensing experts share the 5 things to check before your next food business inspection.
You’ll also discover why our signature Compliance Audit is a must-have for both new or existing food business owners – and how it will help pass your inspection with flying colours without delay.
Did you know? Councils love Food Agent Australia! Because we know their requirements inside out, when they know see an application or food business is working with Food Agent they can be confident that your application will be thorough and accurate.
Will my food business get inspected?
Yes! Every food business license application undergoes an inspection (by local council) as part of the initial application approval. If the premises is not up to standard, this may result in licensing delays or refusal.
While holding a food business licence, it is typical to be inspected annually by council to ensure that you are still compliant.
No matter what type of food business licence you hold – fixed premises, manufacturing warehouse, market stall, food truck etc – you will receive an inspection.
Best way to prepare for a food business inspection
We recommend that all food businesses book a Food Agent Australia Compliance Audit.
During a food business Compliance Audit, we undertake a comprehensive on-site review of compliance to ensure that you exceed the Queensland health council requirements. Remember, our team of food licencing experts is 100%. If we identify any non-compliance issues, you have time to fix them before your council inspection!
A Compliance Audit ensures that your premises AND operations meet all local council requirements, both structurally within the fit out and equipment used, but also operationally within your procedures.
We leave no stone unturned with the checks and balances detailed in our Compliance Audit.
Did you know: You can also potentially increase your star rating, reduce annual renewal fees and lengthen inspection timeframes with council inspections by engaging Food Agent Australia to complete a Compliance Audit at your premises. Ask us how!
Avoid pre-inspection nerves, book a Compliance Audit
One of the reasons why restaurant or café owners tend to fear council inspections is because they don’t feel prepared. They are unsure what to expect and are nervous that their food licence application may be knocked back. That’s not the case when you work with Food Agent Australia – we take the heartache and stress out of this!
So, what do food business inspectors look for?
5 things to check before your next food business inspection
So, what do council inspectors look for?
There are 5 key areas you’ll want to ensure are good working order and that you have the systems/procedures to comply with the Food Safety Act.
These include:
- Floors, walls and ceilings
- Fixtures fittings and equipment
- Benches, shelving & storage areas
- Food handling procedures
- Cleaning & maintenance
Within each of these 5 categories there may be one or many hazards or issues your business may be deemed “non-compliant” for.
If you do book a Compliance Audit, we will identify these hazards or non-compliances well before your operations are inspected by Council so you have time to rectify them. Because we are NOT part of Council this will NOT impact your food licence application with Council.
Compliance Audits for Food Businesses
Food Agent Australia offers a one-of-a-kind Compliance Audit service. These can be done pre-inspection (or even prior to the purchase or lease of a new restaurant, café or similar) and ensures that no detail has been overlooked.
We complete a comprehensive check of your food handling procedures, business premises and policies and identify any potential issues – including structural issues and general equipment check – that could result in your failing the inspection.
After our Compliance Audit, we provide you with a detailed report to ensure that you pass your Council’s inspection.
Our service also allows you to voice any concerns or questions to an independent expert without it affecting your approval or accreditation from council. Give us a call today on 0400 901 920 to find how we can help your hospitality business!
If you want the help of an independent expert who deals with councils on a regular basis to help you get fully prepared before your inspection, contact the Food Agent team today!
