As the Northern Beaches community continues to adjust to life through the COVID-19 pandemic, Council would like to remind residents and business owners about the importance of following established guidelines when it comes to preparing food.

The coronavirus has seen a local spike in takeaway food businesses and businesses operating from homes and shared or ‘dark kitchens’.

Any retail business which sells food out of an approved commercial kitchen, including sales or giveaways on social media, online sales, or through established food delivery services such as Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Menulog, must notify Council.

Notification is free and requires individuals or businesses to complete Council’s Food Business Owner Details form.

Northern Beaches Council Chief Executive Officer Ray Brownlee stressed the importance of closely following food protocols.

“We understand these are tough times for everyone, but it is vital people continue to do the right thing. It has been fantastic to see a number of local food businesses make the successful transition to selling takeaway food only in recent weeks.

“Collectively we are all working together to contain the spreading of COVID-19, that is why the food safety measures are so important.

“We encourage residents to support local food businesses, and for those working, it is mandatory to have adequate skills and knowledge when it comes to safe food handling and hygiene.

“Council’s Environmental Health Team is just a phone call away to answer any of your enquiries and they can also facilitate an inspection of a food business where social distancing is achievable.

“Most importantly, development consent from Council is always required to prepare and sell food,’’ the CEO said.

Application forms for ‘Home Food Businesses’ can be found on Council’s website.