Compliance requirements to operate on Cookaborough

Before launching your menu on Cookaborough, you’ll need to provide up-to-date documentation confirming your food business is registered, insured, and operating safely.

Meeting compliance requirements

To operate on the Cookaborough platform, all food businesses must meet a core set of compliance requirements and provide valid documentation and declarations to verify this.

Proof of compliance is submitted through the platform and includes:

• Provision of valid documents such as your Food Registration Certificate, Food Safety Supervisor Certificate, and relevant insurance certificates

• Signed declarations, including a Food Safety Declaration and, if applicable, a Government Program Declaration for servicing HCP and NDIS customers

These items are reviewed and verified by Cookaborough's Compliance team. Once approved, your account will be verified and you’ll be able to publish your menu and start selling.

Compliance management is ongoing. You’ll be required to resubmit certain documents when they expire, and complete an annual declaration to confirm that your business continues to meet the requirements for operating on the platform.

Documentation you need to provide

To verify your compliance, you’ll need to upload the following documents:

1. Food business registration certificate

This is a document from a local Council or the Food Authority in your State or Territory certifying that you are registered to operate as a Food Business. This must be a current license that covers the location where your meals are prepared.

2. Food safety supervisor certificate

Every food business on Cookaborough must nominate a Food Safety Supervisor (FSS). This person must have completed the appropriate FSS training for your state or territory within the last 5 years through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). You'll need to provide documentation to verify this.

3. Public liability insurance certificate of currency

You’ll need to provide a current Certificate of Currency confirming your business holds a minimum of $10 million in public liability cover.

4. Workers' compensation insurance certificate of currency

If your business employs staff, you’ll also need to provide a Workers Compensation Certificate of Currency, as required by your state or territory. We recommend checking with your insurer or local authority to confirm whether this applies to you.

Food safety declaration

In addition to providing the above documents, all businesses operating on Cookaborough must sign a food safety declaration, stating that:

• All uploaded compliance documents are accurate and valid

• Staff involved in food handling are appropriately trained

• Each menu item includes a complete and accurate ingredient list

• All items are labelled with storage instructions and use-by dates

• You hold appropriate public liability insurance

• You understand and comply with workers’ compensation requirements (if applicable)

Additional requirements for servicing government program customers

If you choose to participate in servicing government program (HCP and NDIS) customers, you must also sign a government program compliance declaration, acknowledging that:

• You have read and acknowledge your responsibilities as identified in the Code of Conduct for Aged Care

• You have read and acknowledge your responsibilities as identified in the Serious Incident Response Scheme: Guidelines for providers of home services

• You have read and acknowledge your responsibilities as identified in the NDIS Code of Conduct

• You have completed a series of video-based tutorials designed to help you meet the care standards expected when servicing government program customers

How compliance is managed on Cookaborough

All required documents must be received and verified by our Compliance team before your business can launch on the platform. This ensures your business meets the legal requirements to operate and protects the integrity of the marketplace.

Our automated compliance system helps keep your documentation up to date. Here's how it works:

• You’ll be notified before a document expires, so you have time to update it.

• If a required document expires, you won’t be able to publish new menus until it’s updated and verified.

This process helps ensure all food businesses on Cookaborough remain compliant and trusted by customers and partners.