Authorised officers under the Food Act 2008

In Western Australia (WA) authorised officers may be appointed under sections 122 and 123 of the Food Act 2008 (the Act) (external site) by enforcement agencies, for the purposes of the Act.

This is an important function and compliance and enforcement activities may only be undertaken by authorised officers who have a valid certificate of authority. A certificate of authority must be issued to authorised officers by enforcement agencies under the Act.

An enforcement agency may appoint a person to be an authorised officer for the purpose the Act if:

• The person holds or is suitable to be appointed to a position as an environmental health officer under the Health Act 1911 (external site)
• The person is designated under section 7 of the Health Legislation Administration Act 1984 (external site) as a public health official – this is applicable only to employees of the WA Department of Health.

More information

• Guideline on the appointment of authorised officers (PDF 78KB) 
• Guideline on the appointment of authorised officers (Meat inspectors only) (PDF 79KB) 
• Guideline on the appointment of authorised officers – designated officers only (PDF 104KB).This documents is to be read in conjunction with the above Guideline on the appointment of authorised officers
• Guideline on the appointment of authorised officer – appointment of persons to assist with the discharge of duties of an authorised officer (PDF 244KB)