Last updated: 21 August 2020
Restrictions that apply to food businesses
Restrictions to help control the spread of COVID-19 have been introduced for businesses in Australia, including for food businesses. New Zealand
lifted restrictions on business operations on 8 June 2020.
In Australia, each state and territory has initiated a stepped approach to the easing of restrictions on businesses. Certain requirements may apply for businesses that are recommencing operations or that continue to operate during the period of restrictions.
It is important that businesses keep up to date with requirements which vary between states and territories and may change regularly during the pandemic response.
Information for businesses re-commencing operations
Before you re-open or recommence operations you must check for any changes to business restrictions and whether any specific guidelines or requirements to recommence business apply in your state or territory.
Some state and territories may have specific requirements such as preparing a COVID-19 safety plan or completing a particular COVID-19 food safety check list.
Food regulators have also developed a voluntary tool to help food businesses prepare to recommence operations. Food businesses are encouraged to use this tool (in addition to any specific requirements) when preparing to recommence operations. Download the Food safety checks for food businesses (such as cafes and restaurants) preparing to recommence pre-restriction operations
(PDF 215kb).
For the latest advice on restrictions for each state and territory and New Zealand, including examples of specific guidelines and requirements for recommencing or continuing food business operations see below:
Australian Capital Territory | |
New South Wales | |
Northern Territory | |
Queensland | |
South Australia | |
Tasmania | |
Victoria | |
Western Australia | |
New Zealand | |
Safe Work Australia | |
Read more topics on
Novel Coronavirus and Food Safety.
