Lodge Food Safety Complaint - Perth WA Bylaws

Public Health and Welfare Western Australia 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

If you are in Perth, Western Australia and suspect a food business is operating unsafely, you can lodge a food safety complaint with the local environmental health service. Complaints relate to hygiene, food handling, temperature control, pest infestations and suspected foodborne illness. The local enforcement framework operates under the Food Act 2008 (WA) and is implemented by local government environmental health officers; see the statute and local environmental health pages for legal basis and registration requirements: Food Act 2008 (WA)[2].

Report unsafe food practices promptly and keep details like time, place and photos.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of food safety in Perth is carried out by the City of Perth environmental health officers and authorised officers from the relevant local government. Where action is needed they may inspect, issue notices, require corrective action, seize contaminated food or commence prosecution under the Food Act 2008 (WA). For local complaint pathways and contact details, contact the City of Perth Environmental Health service.

Specific penalty amounts and time limits are not reproduced here unless shown on the official source pages; where figures or time limits are not listed on the cited page this is stated below with the citation.

  • Enforcer: City of Perth Environmental Health Officers and authorised local government officers (see official contact page).
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page for the local complaint pages; the Food Act 2008 (WA) sets offences and penalty units on the legislation site.[2]
  • Escalation: from inspection and improvement notices to seizure or prosecution; specific ranges for first, repeat or continuing offences are specified on the legislation page or not specified on the local page depending on the instrument.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: improvement notices, prohibition orders, seizure of unsafe food, business closure orders and court actions may be used where authorised.
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: lodge a complaint with City of Perth Environmental Health via the council contact and complaint channels.
If a notice is issued, follow it promptly because failure to comply can lead to stronger orders or prosecution.

Applications & Forms

Many food businesses must be registered or notify the local government under the Food Act 2008 (WA). The City of Perth publishes registration and inspection information and any required forms on its environmental health pages; fees and submission methods are set by council and are listed where applicable on the official pages.[1]

  • Food business registration/notification: see City of Perth environmental health pages for forms and instructions.
  • Fees: not specified on the cited local page when no consolidated fee schedule is published there.
  • Deadlines or renewal dates: check the registration form or council pages for current renewal windows.

How-To

  1. Document the issue: note business name, address, date and time, what you observed, and take photos where safe.
  2. Find the local contact: contact City of Perth Environmental Health to report the complaint and ask about forms or online reporting.
  3. Submit the complaint: provide your evidence and any health concerns; request follow-up and a reference number.
  4. Follow up: if the issue persists or you receive no response, escalate via the council complaints process or seek guidance from WA Health.
Keep a copy of your submitted complaint and any correspondence for at least 12 months.

FAQ

How do I lodge a food safety complaint in Perth?
Contact the City of Perth Environmental Health service with details of the business, what you observed and any photos; the complaint will be assessed and investigated as needed.[1]
What can the council do about unsafe food?
Local environmental health officers can inspect, issue improvement or prohibition notices, seize unsafe food and, where necessary, refer for prosecution under the Food Act 2008 (WA). Specific penalty amounts or time frames should be confirmed on the legislation or council pages.[2]

Key Takeaways

  • Report promptly to City of Perth Environmental Health with clear details and evidence.
  • Local officers enforce under the Food Act 2008 (WA); check official pages for notices and forms.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Perth - Environmental Health
  2. [2] Food Act 2008 (WA) - WA legislation

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