Food safety

We investigate concerns relating to food businesses within the Hobart municipal area.

If you experience or observe any unacceptable practices in any food business located in Hobart please complete the food business complaint form at the bottom of the page.

Some of the matters we investigate are:

  • foreign matter found in food
  • poor personal hygiene
  • pest infestations
  • unclean food premises
  • food premise waste storage/refuse
  • poor food storage/handling practices.

Food poisoning

If you experience symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea after consuming food at a food business located within the Hobart municipal area, we will investigate the matter. If you consumed a meal at a food business located within another municipality, please contact the relevant council directly.

Common food poisoning bacteria such as Salmonella sp. and Campylobacter sp. have an incubation period (which is the period between being infected and developing symptoms) of 6–72 hours and 2–5 days, respectively. Therefore, we will need as much information from you as possible to assist us with the investigation.

It is strongly advised that you visit a doctor for a clinical diagnosis of the cause of your illness. Different food poisoning bacteria display different symptoms and incubation periods, and are often associated with different foods, so a confirmed diagnosis will assist our officers with their investigation.

You can let us know about an alleged food poisoning incident by completing the form online. A printable form is available on our forms page.

For current health alerts visit the Department of Health and Human Services website

Download the best practice food safety guidelines for delivery drivers in Hobart(PDF, 450KB)

Food business investigation request 

If you experience or observe any unacceptable practices in any food business located in Hobart, you can let us know by completing the form online. A printable form is available on our forms page

Please note this form is not to be completed in the event of alleged food poisoning, in this instance please refer to the Alleged food poisoning request.