Apply for a licence to operate a food business

Certain food producers and businesses in NSW must hold a licence from the NSW Food Authority to operate.

You will need to apply for a NSW Food Authority licence if your business: 

• produces, grades, processes or stores eggs (except small egg farms)
• produces or stores dairy, or is a dairy vendor or factory 
• handles, processes, packs or stores red meat or poultry (except small poultry meat farms) for humans or animals (includes retail butchers) 
• handles and wholesales seafood (excluding shellfish) 
• cultivates, harvests or depurates shellfish 
• produces plant products, such as seed sprouts, vegetables in oil or unpasteurised juices 
• provides food service to vulnerable persons in hospitals and aged care facilities  
• transports any of the foods above. 

To get started visit the NSW Food Authority.

Note: All other food businesses must notify their local council or the Food Authority.