Starting a Food Business From Home
Thinking of starting a food business from home? The events of the last 18 months have shaped our lives significantly. With people being forced to stay at home and find alternative forms of income, we have seen a rapid rise in the number of home-based businesses.
Although it varies from state to state, in Queensland there are special obligations and requirements for people interested in running a food-based business from their homes.
In this blog, we help you identify what is required to be compliant when starting a food business from home, and the steps to take to get you open and operating as fast as possible. Plus, we explain why we’re your first point of call!
What is classed as a Home-Based Food Business in Qld?
If your business idea involves the preparation or handling of food intended for sale or the sale of food, then you are classed as a food business.
If the handling and preparation of your food happen at your home, or other domestic premises, then your operation is classed as a Home Based Food Business.
Some types of home-based food businesses are:
- Home-based catering
- Baking of biscuits, cakes and other goods to supply to retailers
- Cake decorating and baking (eg wedding cakes)
- Making food to sell at market stalls and fundraising events
- Preparing or making food for schools and canteens
- Cooking and preparing ready-made meals and food for meal plans
Do I need a home-based food business licence in qld?
If you are providing any of the services listed above, you will require a home-based food business licence to operate in Queensland.
Eligibility for a home-based business licence varies from council to council, but the Brisbane City Council only approves this kind of licence for foods that are considered as non-hazardous or “low risk”.
Determining if your business is eligible can be complicated and based on several factors. Food Agent Australia can assess your eligibility for you and make the process a lot easier to navigate.
How Much Does It Cost for a Home-Based Food Business Licence in Qld?
Starting a food business from home requires extensive research and requirements before you can be approved to operate. The costs and fees will vary depending on your products, your existing setup and any changes that will need to be made.
An initial compliance audit by Food Agent Australia will determine the actual costs for you. We follow a streamlined 7 step process to get you approved in the fastest and most economical way.
How Often Do I Need To Renew My Licence?
Your food business licence needs to be renewed annually. You should also expect regular audits of your business to maintain your licence and to ensure that your business remains compliant with council requirements and the Food Standards Code.
The frequency of your business being audited varies depending on the star rating your business achieves with its food business licence. After each audit, you will receive a new star rating. The higher the star rating the less frequent your audits will be.
Final Notes
Starting a food business from home can be exciting and very rewarding! It can also be complex and somewhat overwhelming to navigate the process from concept through to approvals and compliance.
Food Agent Australia specialises in all things food business-related. Our processes follow a simple roadmap that will ensure your success. We are your first point of call and take the hassle out of dealing with Government departments and councils because we do this for you.
If you are considering starting a food business from home, give us a call today so we can provide you with the support and guidance that you need to get you up and running.
