Food trucks to Facebook Marketplace

Published: 29th September 2026. (Note: information was correct at date of publication but may have since been changed or superseded.)

  • 1 in 5 Australians get sick from unsafe food every year
  • 1,100 licensed food businesses in Cairns Regional Council
  • Food businesses on Marketplace should be licensed

Food is a great connector, celebration of culture and we are spoilt for choice in terms of where, how and what we eat. Lots of us eat from market stalls, food trucks or buy home cooked meals and baked goods on Marketplace. But how often do we stop to check they’re licenced?

Food licensing help keep Cairns safe by supporting proper food handling, storage and allergy awareness. It includes food safety programs, training and supervision to make sure food quality is high and customers can make informed choices about what they eat.

It’s well known that restaurants and cafes have licensing requirements and customers expect that procedures are in place to keep food safe. What about those weekend purchases from home-based, pop-up or temporary businesses and mobile vendors?

If you are thinking of starting, taking over or renovating a food business, take a moment to understand what type of licence you might need.

Food safety & licensing | Cairns Regional Council

Last Updated: 29 September 2026

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