Fees to register a food business

The fee to register your food business is based on the risk classification of your business.

You must complete the risk classification section when you complete the registration application form to determine the risk category of your business.

The following definitions will help you.

Risk classifications

High risk foods

These are foods that are more likely to be contaminated with and support the growth of microbiological pathogens. These foods require strict temperature control to minimise pathogen growth or to prevent the formation of toxins. Examples of high-risk foods include raw meat, fish, oysters, cooked rice and meat pies.

Medium risk foods

These are foods that may contain microbiological pathogens but will not usually support the growth of these pathogens or are unlikely to contain microbiological pathogens due to the food type or processing but may support the growth of such pathogens. Examples of medium risk foods include pasteurised fruit juice, canned meats, fruit and vegetables, dairy products and milk-based confectionery.

Low risk foods

These are foods that are unlikely to contain microbiological pathogens and will not support the growth of such pathogens. Examples of low-risk foods include grains and cereals, sugar-based confectionery, bread and carbonated beverages.

Ready-to-eat-food

Fees

Businesses exempt from fees

If your business supplies food while providing services to people, you don't have to pay a registration fee.

These types of businesses include:

• correctional centres
• detention or therapeutic protection places under the Children and Young People Act 2008
• hospices, hospitals, nursing homes or other health facilities
• school canteens operated by parents or the school
• licensed childcare centres
• charitable organisations endorsed under the Income Assessment Act 1997
• crisis accommodation providers
• registered training providers that teach food handling, such as a hospitality school
• some community organisations.

Community organisations

Community organisation that are not a charity under the Income Assessment Act 1997 are also exempt from paying a fee.

These organisations must not operate for profit and are engaged in the ACT in any of these activities:

• religious, education, charitable or benevolent purposes
• promotion or encouragement of literature, science or the arts
• caring for people who have a physical or mental disability or condition
• sport, recreation or amusement
• conserving resources or protecting the natural environment from harm
• preserving historical or cultural heritage
• a political purpose
• protecting or promoting the common interests of the community.

Providing evidence

You need to provide evidence of your exemption status.

The evidence will depend on the type of organisation.

• For charities, evidence of registration with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission is preferred.
• For organisations such as health care and childcare facilities, you'll need to provide an ACT licence.
• For organisations such as sporting clubs and community groups, evidence of incorporation under the Associations Incorporation Act 1991 is preferred.