Organising an event

Speak to your local council well in advance of your event, about their requirements. There may be local requirements for events in addition to food safety requirements, for example:

• planning restrictions
• traffic flow measures
• liquor licensing
• permitting of food stalls or hawkers/traders licenses.

The council may also have different food safety needs for food operators depending on whether they are:

• operating from fixed, registered food premises at the venue
• operating from mobile food businesses
• operating to an approved Food Safety Programme
• a 'one-off' food stall
• a charity fundraiser.

Food, particularly ‘high risk’ products, such as processed and cooked meats, salads, dairy products and other readily perishable foods can provide the ideal environment for the growth of bacteria which may cause food poisoning. These foods are termed high risk because they will not be processed further before being eaten. Unless these foods are properly stored, prepared, cooked, displayed, served and delivered by food handlers, there is a risk that they may either become contaminated or enable the growth of bacteria that could make people ill.

Events and venues where facilities for food handlers are very limited and where the opportunity to practice good standards of hygiene are restricted, can increase the risk of foodborne illness for consumers.

On the day, you will need to ensure that only those entitled to sell food are doing so at your event. The local council may assess you and stall holders on the day to ensure any agreed standards are met.

Mobile food vehicles at events

If you are including mobile food businesses at your event, make sure they are registered. Ask to see a copy of their food registration certificate before the event. An original certificate should be displayed on the vehicle and reflect the registration of that vehicle. It should also be current. Particularly if the event lasts more than one day, ask the business if they require any hook-ups, such as water supply or waste drainage so this can be organised beforehand.

Facilities at events

Depending on the venue and the type of event, you may need to think about the provision of facilities for food stalls including:

• dedicated toilet and hand washing facilities easily accessible to food stallholders
• refrigeration facilities for the temperature control of perishable stock easily accessible to food stallholders
• waste facilities and disposal of packaging and food waste.