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South Australia’s food safety laws are set for their biggest shake-up in almost 25 years, with the State Government looking at everything from food trucks operating across multiple council areas to delivery apps and new food manufacturing processes.
The Food Act, which underpins how food businesses are regulated across SA, has remained largely unchanged for close to a quarter of a century.
A new review will examine whether the legislation still works for the way South Australians now buy, sell and prepare food, while also looking for opportunities to cut red tape for hospitality operators and other food businesses.
One issue being considered is the licensing process for mobile businesses such as food trucks, which can currently operate across several council areas and may have to navigate different administrative requirements.
The review will also look at the existing food business notification system and whether it is adequately identifying and managing risks associated with unsafe food.
Changing technology and business models are another major focus, including the rise of food delivery apps, new types of foods and manufacturing processes, as well as how authorities respond to unexpected incidents such as deliberate food tampering.
Health and Wellbeing Minister Blair Boyer said the aim was to keep protections strong while making the system easier for businesses to navigate.
“This important review is aimed at cutting the red tape and streamlining processes to ensure greater food safety and make it easier for South Australia’s food industry to comply with regulations,” Minister Boyer said.
The Food Act gives authorities powers to inspect businesses, conduct audits, undertake food recalls and prevent unsafe or unsuitable food being sold. It also supports South Australia’s adoption of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
Australian Hotels Association SA CEO Anna Moeller said the hospitality industry welcomed an opportunity to simplify requirements after almost 25 years without a major overhaul.
“As an already heavily regulated industry any attempt to streamline requirements and minimise red tape for our hotels, many of whom are small and family businesses, can only be a positive thing,” she said.
The review will also consider the pressure being placed on environmental health officers, who are responsible for much of the frontline regulation and inspection of food businesses.
Food businesses, councils, industry representatives, regulators and members of the public will be invited to provide feedback through the YourSAy website in the coming months.
That feedback will be used to develop more detailed options for potential changes to the Food Act, with another round of consultation expected in mid-2027.
