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The NSW Food Authority is working with local councils to clamp down on illegally operating dark kitchens in the state.
Also known as ‘ghost’ or ‘cloud’ kitchens, dark kitchens are delivery-only food businesses that rely on social media and apps for trade.
They operate ‘out of sight’ of both consumers and authorities, commonly from homes or industrial premises.
NSW Food Authority acting CEO Andrew Davies said that knowing the location of where food businesses operate from allows enforcement agencies to monitor their practices to ensure food produced is safe to eat.
“Online, delivery-only businesses tend not to notify their local authority, and without a public physical premises, these businesses can be difficult to reach,” he said.
“This means they are not having their food safety compliance assessed, presenting a considerable risk to their customers. Food poisoning, undeclared allergens and other food safety concerns can be quite serious and even deadly for some people.”
The number of food businesses participating in online food delivery apps skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. A proactive campaign led by 17 Sydney and regional NSW councils identified at least 131 illegally operating food businesses in their areas alone.
Breaches identified on inspection included inadequate cleaning and sanitising and health and hygiene practices, as well as using an unsuitable premises and equipment, a lack of food handling risk controls and insufficient food safety skills and knowledge.
“There are around 56,052 known retail food businesses in NSW overseen by local councils, with the vast majority doing the right thing,”.
“Under national food safety laws, no matter how big or small your food business is, or if it’s home-based, online, or temporary; if you sell food, you must notify the appropriate enforcement agency before starting any food handling operations.” Mr Davies said.
Food producers, wholesalers and manufacturing businesses are overseen by the NSW Food Authority.
For more information on the steps businesses need to take, visit foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/notify