Food Safety at Fundraising Events

Food Safety at Fundraising Events – What You Need to Know
 

Food fundraisers are a classic Aussie tradition—whether it’s a sausage sizzle, cake stall, or a big community feast. But before you fire up the BBQ or start icing cupcakes, let’s talk about food safety. No one wants to be that person who accidentally gives the whole school food poisoning!

The good news? Keeping your event safe and compliant isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Here’s the lowdown on what you need to know, from national rules to state-by-state specifics.

The Basics – What Every Fundraiser Needs to Do

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has some general rules that apply to everyone, no matter where you’re running your event. These include:

✅ Let the council know – Some events need approval, so check in early.
✅ Keep things clean – Food stalls, tables, and utensils need to be spotless.
✅ Handwashing is a must – Have a way for volunteers to wash hands properly.
✅ Keep food at safe temperatures – Cold food should be 5°C or below, hot food should be 60°C or above.
✅ Label allergens – Even if you’re not doing full ingredient labels, you must let people know about common allergens like nuts, dairy, and gluten.

Most fundraising events (like your classic sausage sizzle) don’t need full-on food business licences, but that doesn’t mean you can wing it. Each state has its own set of rules—so let’s break them down.

State-by-State Guide to Food Fundraising Rules

• Queensland

  • You’ll need to nominate a “food safety supervisor” (don’t worry, this can just be someone keeping an eye on hygiene).
  • Volunteers handling food should have some basic food safety knowledge.
  • 📌 More info: QLD Fundraising Food Safety

• New South Wales

  • If you’re selling food at a temporary event, you need to notify your local council beforehand.
  • Charities and community groups have some exemptions but still need to follow food safety rules.
  • 📌 More info: NSW Food Safety Guidelines

• Victoria

  • You must register your event through the Streatrader online system (yep, even for a school cake stall).
  • Different food types fall into categories (Class 2, 3, or 4), so check where your event sits.
  • 📌 More info: VIC Fundraising Food Safety

• Tasmania

  • The usual hygiene and food safety rules apply, and councils will have specific requirements depending on what you’re selling.
  • 📌 Check with your local council for details.

• Northern Territory

  • The NT Government provides food safety resources for community events, but again, check in with your local council for specifics.
  • 📌 Check local council websites for requirements.

• Australian Capital Territory

  • Food stalls must have proper handwashing facilities (yes, even for a cake stall).
  • Events that involve food need approval, so plan ahead.
  • 📌 More info: ACT Food Safety for Events

• Western Australia

  • You must label food accurately and include advisory statements for allergens or risky ingredients.
  • Some fundraising events may need to register with the local council.
  • 📌 More info: WA Food Fundraising Rules

• South Australia

• Charities and community groups are considered food businesses under SA law, so food safety rules apply even if you’re just fundraising.
• 📌 More info: SA Food Safety for Fundraisers

Top Tips for a Safe and Successful Food Fundraiser

Now that you know the rules, here are some practical tips to make sure your event is safe and stress-free:

• 👩‍🍳 Pick the right team – Make sure your volunteers know basic food hygiene (washing hands, using gloves, not handling food if they’re sick).
• 🧴 Set up a cleaning station – Have disinfectant wipes, gloves, and hand sanitiser on hand.
• 🌡️ Use a thermometer – A cheap food thermometer can save you a world of trouble! Check that cooked meat reaches at least 75°C inside.
• 🛑 Avoid cross-contamination – Don’t cut raw chicken on the same board as your sandwich fillings.
• 🗣 Tell people about allergens – Put up a sign if anything contains nuts, dairy, eggs, or gluten.
• ⏳ Watch the clock – Don’t leave food sitting out for too long. If in doubt, chuck it out!

Final Word – Keep it Fun and Safe!

At the end of the day, fundraising food events are about bringing the community together—and doing it safely is just part of the process. A little planning, some common sense, and a quick check of the local rules will keep everything running smoothly.

Now, go forth and cook up a storm (safely, of course)! 🍩🔥🍔