The obligation
The Food Act 2006 makes it an offence to handle food unsafely, sell unsafe food or falsely describe food, with heavier penalties where the person knew or ought to have known.
A person must not handle food intended for sale in a way the person knows, or reasonably ought to know, will make or is likely to make it unsafe (s 32). A person must not sell food the person knows, or reasonably ought to know, is unsafe (s 33). Section 34 prohibits causing food to be falsely described, or selling falsely described food, where the person knows or ought to know a consumer relying on the description is likely to suffer physical harm.
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- What
- The Food Act 2006 makes it an offence to handle food unsafely, sell unsafe food or falsely describe food, with heavier penalties where the person knew or ought to have known.
- Source
- legislation.qld.gov.au
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offences
unsafe food
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Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Food Act 2006 (Qld) — Offences Relating to Unsafe and Unsuitable Food is a WHS requirement set out in Food Act 2006 (QLD). The relevant provision is Chapter 2.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Food Act 2006 (Qld) — Offences Relating to Unsafe and Unsuitable Food is a WHS obligation under Food Act 2006 (QLD). In short, The Food Act 2006 makes it an offence to handle food unsafely, sell unsafe food or falsely describe food, with heavier penalties where the person knew or ought to have known.
What changed recently?
Food Act 2006 (Qld) — Offences Relating to Unsafe and Unsuitable Food was last updated on 19 October 2026.