Food safety and food standards enforcement
Inspections at your business
Authorised officers have the right to enter and inspect food premises at any reasonable time. They don't have to (and usually don't make an appointment. It's expected that our officers will show their identification before attempting to gain access to premises. However it's good practice to ask to see an officer's official credentials or official identification before allowing them to proceed.
In certain circumstances, officers will have the following powers:
- make test purchases, take samples and photographs
- inspect and test any goods, equipment or installations
- seize and retain any food, goods or documents
- inspect all parts of the premises
- require the production and take copies of recordings (including computer records), documents and video recordings associated with the business
- interview staff during the inspection
It may be an offence to obstruct or fail to give assistance or information reasonably required by the officer or to give false or misleading information.
Page last updated: 10 May 2022
