Can You Register Your Home Kitchen as a Food Business in Australia?
How to Register Your Home for Making Food Products in Australia.
Getting your food business off the ground from your own kitchen can be exciting—and surprisingly doable. You canregister your home as a food production site and start selling small-batch products like baked goods or snacks at local markets. Let’s walk through what that means in different states, why it's a smart first step, and what risks to watch out for.
Why Registering Your Home Kitchen Makes Sense
Launching from home:
Keeps startup costs low, because you avoid renting commercial space.
Lets you test your product and build a brand gradually.
Offers a formal food safety foundation—once registered, you can prove you're compliant from day one.
But: there are compliance obligations and risks if these are not taken seriously.
National Requirements (FSANZ and Safe Food Australia)
Regardless of state, home-based food businesses must comply with national food safety standards:
Standard 3.2.2 – Food Safety Practices & Hygiene
Standard 3.2.3 – Food Premises & Equipment
Labelling – Standard 1.2 (ingredients, allergens, even DIY packaging)
You’ll also need to notify or register with your local council before starting—and potentially undergo inspections to ensure your kitchen and processes meet safety standards.
State-by-State: Who You Contact & What to Expect
New South Wales (NSW)
Food businesses made at home (e.g., market stalls, canteen prep) must meet full retail standards.
You must notify your local council, and in some cases get approval from the NSW Food Authority.
Victoria (VIC)
Register your home under the Food Act 1984.
Your council will classify your premises and advise if you need a Food Safety Supervisor Certificate or food safety program.
A “Statement of Trade” may also be needed if you're selling at markets.
Queensland (QLD)
You may need a license for home kitchen sales (especially for markets or catering).
Councils can clarify whether you need a Food Safety Program or Supervisor.
Not all council areas allow food prep in home kitchens—approval is required.
Western Australia (WA)
Registration through your council or Department of Health is required—even for home-based cooking.
There are penalties for failing to notify or register correctly.
South Australia (SA)
Must notify your local council before starting. It’s typically free.
Failure to notify can result in significant penalties.
Other states and territories: The process is similar—contact your local council Environmental Health Officer (EHO) before you begin.
Basic Requirements for Home Kitchens
Before approval, EHOs often check that your kitchen:
Has a separate handwashing basin with warm water, soap, single-use towels.
Allows for cleanable surfaces, light walls, pest control, food separation, ventilation.
Provides adequate refrigeration (5 °C or below) and safe waste disposal.
If you're working with high-risk foods (meats, dairy, eggs), you may need:
A Food Safety Supervisor
A written food safety management system
Staff training in food safety.
How to Get Started (Quick Checklist)
Check with your local council EHO for eligibility in your area.
Notify or register your home-based food business before launching.
Get trained—take a food safety course and assign a supervisor.
Upgrade your kitchen if needed (add hand-wash sink, upgrade surfaces).
Keep records—Ingredients, suppliers, processes, and where your food is sold.
Why It’s a Great Option—and What to Watch Out For
Pros:
Low-cost entry to test your product and brand at markets.
Builds credibility with food-safe processes.
A practical route to stepping into bigger operations when you're ready.
Risks:
Without compliance, you risk fines, forced shutdowns, or loss of business reputation.
Regulations vary by council—so clean shenanigans can get you into trouble fast.
Inspections are real and expected—so operating without meeting standards can’t be faked.
Ready to Start? NutriLabel Solutions Can Help
We guide food entrepreneurs from kitchen to label. We can:
Advise on your state or council requirements
Help you scope out your kitchen’s setup
Develop basic food safety plans
Point you through training and documentation
Ready to safely launch from your own kitchen? Contact NutriLabel Solutions—we’ll help you get compliant and market-ready, fast.