As we approach end of year, it’s time for accredited businesses to renew their accreditation for 2023. If you currently hold an accreditation with Safe Food, you will be sent a renewal notice on 8 November 2022. This will either be emailed or posted to you, based on your preferred contact method.
Why will I receive a renewal notice?
An accreditation with Safe Food is valid until 31 December each year. You need to renew your accreditation annually and pay the prescribed accreditation fee if you wish to continue operating.
If you let your accreditation expire after 31 December, but wish to continue operating, you will need to reapply for an accreditation, which will incur another application fee and the submission of supporting documents, photos and evidence. To avoid this, it’s important to renew your accreditation by 31 December.
What is an accreditation fee?
An accreditation fee is an annually recurring fee based on the type of activities you are undertaking, and the level of risk associated. It should be budgeted for each year as part of your ongoing business costs. Accreditation fees are not subject to GST and cannot be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
Accreditation fees for 2023 can be viewed in the application form on our website as of 1 January 2023. Up until this time 2022 fees will remain live on our website.
What does my accreditation fee cover?
Safe Food’s responsibilities extend well beyond auditing food businesses. As the state regulator for primary production and processing, our role is to ensure that everyone in your industry is operating according to the same national standards and that food safety risks are being adequately managed. This includes:
- responding to notifications and complaints about food businesses (e.g. operating without an accreditation, hygiene concerns, food safety issues, etc.)
- working with accredited businesses that must undergo a food recall or withdrawal from the market
- responding to emerging food safety threats that may impact Queensland’s food production sector
- contributing to the development of food safety standards and regulations in Queensland and Australia
Safe Food is also cotinuing to support accredited businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic and work with other government departments to protect Queensland’s food supply chain.
Your accreditation fee contributes toward all of this important work.
Using the Client Portal
Accreditation holders can use our online Client Portal to manage their accreditation renewal. The portal allows you to:
- update your billing and contact information
- confirm the accreditations you wish to renew
- pay your accreditation fees
- download past audit and assessment information
- download your 2023 certificate (once payment has been processed)
Key dates to know
8 November 2022 – renewal notices issued to all accredited businesses/individuals
9 December 2022 – to have your certificate dispatched before Christmas, you need to pay your fees before 9 December 2022*
31 December 2022 – payment due for 2023 accreditation renewal
Mid-January 2023 – certificates dispatched for those whose payment was received between 10-31 December 2022**
*Funds may take up to 48 hours to reach Safe Food depending on your banking provider.
**Australia Post may be experiencing significant delays over the Christmas period . You may therefore receive your certificate later than expected.
Other information
If you have any outstanding invoices or Show Cause Notices from Safe Food, these must be addressed before your 2023 accreditation certificate can be dispatched.
For further information, please contact us on (freecall) 1800 300 815 or email [email protected]
Our office will be closed from 24 December 2022 and reopen 3 January 2023.