Home cooks in hot water as council cracks down on ‘dark kitchens’

UNREGISTERED food businesses are on the rise across the Tweed, with council warning that home kitchens operating through social media and delivery apps must meet the same safety standards as restaurants.

Known as ‘dark kitchens’, many of these small operations run quietly from suburban homes or industrial sheds, taking online orders without official registration.

Tweed Shire Council’s environmental health program leader, Marcela Lopez, said all food sellers, regardless of where they operate, must follow the same rules.

“In today’s digital economy, where food can be ordered online through websites or apps, these businesses are still selling food and must meet the same safety standards as brick-and-mortar restaurants,” Lopez said.

Council warned that some unregistered kitchens may be operating beyond regulatory oversight, meaning officers can’t carry out safety inspections.

“There is a possibility these businesses are not handling food safely, which could make people sick,” Lopez said.

“The rules around the production and selling of food are strict for a reason. Food poisoning can be deadly. Consumers have the right to eat safe food prepared in a clean environment.”

Some home-based operators say the system is too rigid and doesn’t account for small-scale or culturally diverse community food businesses that pose little risk to the public.

Under NSW law, anyone selling food, whether home-based, online only or temporary, must notify their local council. Suppliers selling to other businesses must also notify the NSW Food Authority.

For more information, call 02 6670 2400 or visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/food-businesses.