starting a cheese factory in Western Australia

[simbiotic]

I was wondering if any one knows of the rules and regulation as to starting up a cheese factory (small) in Western Australia
As I am very interested in running my own business as I really enjoy making cheese.
Thanks

[Tomer1]

Contact your local food safty & sanitation department, they should be able to provide you with an entire list of requirments which are needed for a permit.

[margaretsmall]

Not sure why this old thread came up as 'unread' but... you probably know about the HaVe cheese people at Harvey? They could fill you in I guess. We stopped there a few weeks ago, unfortunately on a Saturday so noone visible making cheese (but then it's not exactly spectacular spectator sport) and the person on duty, while reasonably knowledgeable, wasn't a cheesemaker - I floored her with a question about the dried tomato flavoured feta. There was cheese out to taste and the brie was absolutely delicious, but I thought my only (so far) attempt at a blue cheese was nicer.
Margaret

[boothrf]

Simbiotic,

The attached link is a bit old, but has some of the requirements for establishing a dairy in WA.

www.agric.wa.gov.au/content/amt/agb/bulletin4615.pdf

Basically, you need to be registered with Dept of Health, have a Food Safety Plan and comply with the Food Standards Code. There may alslo be local council and environmental guidleines to comply with. You will also have to be regularly audited for compliance with all of the above.  It is quite a task and I would suggest you get some assistance from specialists in this area.  Good luck.

Bob