How Should Chemicals Be Stored in Food Premises to Meet Australian Safety Standards
Why Proper Chemical Storage in Food Premises Matters
Whether you run a commercial kitchen, food processing unit, or small food manufacturing setup in Australia, safe chemical storage is not optional—it’s a regulatory necessity.
Chemicals used in cleaning, sanitising, pest control, or as part of the food production process must be handled with extreme care. Improper storage not only violates Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) regulations but can also lead to cross-contamination, foodborne illness, or workplace injury.
For those using food-grade additives and industrial sanitising agents, it’s important to choose a trusted food chemicals supplier that understands safety and quality compliance.
What Chemicals Are Common in Food Premises?
- Cleaning Agents: Degreasers, detergents, sanitisers
- Pest Control Substances: Insecticides, rodenticides
- Food-Grade Additives: Preservatives, stabilisers, thickeners
- Lubricants and Machine Maintenance Fluids
- Disinfectants for surfaces and equipment
While some are food-safe, others are strictly non-edible and hazardous.
Why Chemical Storage Needs to Be Regulated
Improper chemical storage can lead to:
- 🧪 Chemical leaks or spills
- 🥘 Contamination of food and utensils
- 🤕 Staff injuries or respiratory issues
- 📋 Regulatory breaches and business shutdowns
In Australia, chemical storage in food premises is governed by:
- FSANZ Standard 3.2.3
- Safe Work Australia Guidelines
- State-based food safety laws (e.g., VIC, NSW, QLD health departments)
How Should Chemicals Be Stored in Food Premises: Key Guidelines
1. Always Store Chemicals Away from Food
- Chemicals must be stored in a separate, clearly marked area.
- Never store cleaning products above or beside food or food-contact surfaces.
- Use physical barriers like walls, cupboards, or containers to prevent leaks into food storage.
2. Use Original Containers with Labels
- Keep chemicals in their original labelled containers.
- Never reuse food containers to store chemicals.
- Labels should include name, hazard warnings, instructions, and expiry.
3. Ensure Proper Ventilation
- Store volatile chemicals in well-ventilated areas.
- Avoid enclosed spaces without airflow, especially with flammable or corrosive substances.
4. Lockable Cabinets and Shelves
- Use lockable cupboards to store hazardous chemicals and limit staff access.
- Ensure shelves are strong and spill-proof.
5. Maintain Updated Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Keep SDS for each chemical on-site and accessible.
- SDS must include handling precautions, first aid, storage conditions, and disposal info.
Australian Legal Requirements for Chemical Storage
| Regulatory Standard | Key Requirement |
| FSANZ 3.2.3 Clause 13 | Chemicals must not contaminate food or food-contact surfaces. |
| Safe Work Australia Guidelines | Ensure chemicals are labelled and stored safely. |
| Local Health Departments | Periodic inspections and food business registration compliance. |
Tips to Safely Handle Food-Grade Chemicals
When dealing with food-grade ingredients like stabilisers or preservatives, apply these rules:
- Use food-safe containers with tamper-proof seals
- Store away from non-edible chemicals
- Purchase only from trusted food preservatives Australia suppliers
- Train staff on safe usage and PPE protocols
Safe Chemical Storage Layout Example
Here’s how an ideal small food premises storage plan looks:
| Storage Zone | Items Stored | Notes |
| Dry Store Area | Food-grade additives, packaging | Temperature controlled |
| Chemical Cabinet | Cleaning supplies, sanitisers | Locked, ventilated, labelled |
| Equipment Bay | Lubricants, greases for machinery | Away from food prep surfaces |
| SDS Folder Location | All chemicals’ Safety Data Sheets (SDS) | Easily accessible to all staff |
Training and Staff Responsibilities
- Conduct regular chemical handling training for all staff.
- Ensure PPE (gloves, goggles, aprons) is used when handling or mixing chemicals.
- Assign a chemical safety supervisor if the volume of chemicals is high.
Emergency Protocols
In case of spills or exposure:
- Evacuate the area if needed.
- Refer to the SDS for cleanup and first-aid steps.
- Contact poison control or emergency services for serious incidents.
- Record and report all chemical-related accidents.
Stats Snapshot: Chemical Safety in Australian Food Businesses (2024–25)
- 🧼 70% of food safety violations are related to improper chemical storage.
- 🔐 Only 58% of small businesses in Australia use lockable storage for hazardous chemicals.
- 📋 Over 90% of state health inspections now include chemical storage checks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using unlabelled bottles
- Storing food and chemicals together
- Lack of staff training
- Outdated or missing SDS
- Improper PPE usage during chemical application
Conclusion: Store Chemicals the Right Way or Risk Big Consequences
Storing chemicals correctly is not just about ticking boxes during inspection—it’s about protecting your team, your customers, and your reputation. Whether it’s food-grade additives or heavy-duty cleaning agents, chemical safety must be prioritised at all levels.
Work with a reliable food chemicals supplier like Dextro Delight to ensure your ingredients and additives come with the right documentation, safety labels, and storage instructions.
FAQs
1. Where should chemicals be stored in a food business?
In a separate, locked, and well-labelled cabinet away from food and utensils.
2. Can food and cleaning chemicals be stored together?
No. FSANZ standards require chemicals to be stored separately to avoid contamination.
3. What containers are safe for storing chemicals?
Always use original, labelled containers approved for chemical storage. Never reuse food containers.
4. Is ventilation important in chemical storage?
Yes. Proper airflow is essential to reduce fumes and prevent reactions.
5. Who regulates chemical storage in Australian food premises?
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), Safe Work Australia, and state health departments.