An increase in people operating illegal or 'dark' kitchens in NSW since COVID has prompted Byron Shire Council to remind anyone selling food that they need to notify authorities about their business.
Dark kitchens is a term that refers to food businesses operating outside the reach of regulatory oversight.
"Food poisoning can be deadly and if you're producing and/or on-selling food, you need to follow the rules and let the relevant authority know about your business," Council's Manager Public and Environmental Services, Sarah Nagel said.
Local councils oversee retail food businesses in NSW, while those that on-sell to other businesses need to notify the NSW Food Authority.
Notifying the authorities before handling food for sale is a requirement under state law.
"No matter how big or small your business, whether it's home-based, online only or even temporary, if you're selling food to customers, you need to make sure your business is legal and not putting people's health and lives at risk," Ms Nagel said.
"The rules around the production of food and its sale are strict for good reason. The penalties for illegally operating a food business are high with a maximum of $275,000 for those caught not complying," she said.
