Food Safety

The Shire of Merredin undertakes the inspection for compliance and enforcement of food laws and standards applicable to commercial food businesses throughout the municipality.  It is a legal requirement that all food businesses notify the Shire of their intention to operate before commencement of the business activity.

ANZFA Food Business Notification Form

It is important that, before you establish a food business, you have a sound understanding of food safety issues. An introductory online food safety course can be accessed from the following link. There are a variety of other courses available, including those offered by TAFE institutions.

http://www.eh.org.au/resources/foodsafe

For information or for advice on the establishment of a Food Business, please contact the Shire Administration Office Ph: (08) 9041 1611 or email admin@merredin.wa.gov.au.

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Food Complaints and Suspected Food Poisoning

Complaints concerning food, including suspected food poisoning or a foreign object within food should be reported to the Local Government where the food was purchased. This will generally be the Shire of Merredin and complaints regarding food purchased elsewhere can be referred via the Shire of Merredin.

Most food poisoning bacteria take 2-10 days to incubate and generate symptoms. Occasionally outbreaks caused by toxins can generate symptoms in a period of hours and in these cases more people consuming the food will generate symptoms. If you suspect food poisoning, any suspect food still in your possession should be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator until an Environmental Health Officer can collect it for analysis. Details of the purchase of the food needs to be provided to the Investigating Officer, as does a list of all food consumed within the past 72 hours.

You should also consult your General Practitioner as soon as possible after symptoms commence, as confirmation of most food poisoning can only be obtained from laboratory analysis of faecal specimens.

Food Stalls and Fundraising

Persons organizing or participating in the conduct of food stalls and sausage sizzles should be aware that minimum food handling requirements apply. People handling food products should have a basic understanding of safe food handling practices including prevention of cross contamination, safe temperatures for potentially hazardous foods and staff hygiene practices. If you are unsure of these requirements please contact the Shire Administration Office to discuss your event.

Stallholder Application Form

The following guides are provided to assist organisers:

Guidelines for operating a sausage sizzle

Home Production of Food for Sale

The manufacture of food for sale in a residence is generally not permitted.  Some exceptions of food production in residential premises exist for certain activities, however you must seek the Shire’s approval to conduct these activities.

These include; Bed and Breakfast establishments Cake Decoration Production of Jams and Pickles Other low risk food production as approved

For information on undertaking any of these activities or for advice on the establishment of a Food Business, please contact the Shire Administration Office Ph: (08) 9041 1611 or email admin@merredin.wa.gov.au.