The Queensland Department of Health provides information on
licensing requirements for childcare providers under the
Food Act 2006.
Under the Act, certain food businesses must be licensed by the local government for the local government area in which where the food business is located. Child care providers that supply food are considered to be a food business and may be required to
hold a licence.
Under the Act all licensable food businesses are required to have at least 1
food safety supervisor (PDF, 102KB).
Food safety program
A child care provider that processes or serves potentially hazardous food for at least 6 persons in its care at a time must have an accredited food safety program. Exemptions apply for services providing education and care primarily to children who attend Prep or a higher year.
Food provided by parents
The Act does not apply to food that is provided by the parents of children in a child care service. If all of the food is provided by the parents of children in care a licence is not required – even if the provider heats or portions the food. Child care services should however ensure that they store and handle food safely.
Food standards for non-licensable services
Even though some child care providers do not require a food business licence, they are still required to comply with the Act and the
food safety standards in Chapter 3 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. Non-licensable child care providers may still be inspected by their local government and are subject to the same offences and enforcement actions as licensable food businesses.
Help and support
If you have any questions about whether a child care service is a licensable food business and what provisions apply, please contact the local government for the area where the child care provider is located. Contact details can be found on the
local government directory.
More information
- Food and dietary guidelines—Learn about food and beverage requirements for services and how to manage allergies and other special dietary requirements.