Starting a New Food Business
All food businesses must comply with the Victorian Food Act. A food business is any business involved in the sale of food.
The majority of food businesses must register with Council, and renew this registration on an annual basis.
Although a small number of low-risk food businesses do not need to register with Council; they are still required to notify Council of their intended activities.
Food Premises Classes
Your business will need to be categorised as either Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 depending on the types of food processes undertaken in your business. An Environmental Health Officer will ask you questions about your business processes and determine which Class your business falls within.
Approval from other authorities
Permits or exemptions may be required from other authorities prior to applying for registration with the Environmental Health Unit. These may include Statutory Planning, Building and Water Authorities (Yarra Valley/South East Water).
Submission of application and plans (upfront fee required - see application form)
New food businesses must complete an Application for Plans Approval along with two (2) copies of floor plans and specifications drawn to scale of not less then 1:100 showing:
The layout of all fixtures, fittings and equipment
- A description of materials to be used for surface finishes including walls, floors and bench tops
- Locations of waste disposal area, bin wash area, storage areas, toilets etc
An Environmental Health Officer (EHO) will assess the submitted plans against the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) Food Premises and Equipment Food Safety Standards 3.2.3.
The Construction Guidelines provide a summary of the structural requirements for a new food premises.
Premises construction
Upon receipt of Council's Environmental Health Unit approval, works may commence for the fitout of the premises. Onsite inspections may be requested or conducted by an EHO during the construction of the premises. Prior to opening a final inspection must be conducted by an EHO. The business proprietor must arrange this inspection at least two business days prior to the inspection date.
Food Safety Programs
Victorian food businesses are required to have a Food Safety Program before registration can be granted. You will need to submit your Food Safety Program to the Environmental Health Unit either before the final inspection, or on the day of the final inspection.
The majority of food businesses (restaurants, cafes, delis etc.) can use a standard Food Safety Program Template.
If you are unsure which Food Safety Program is suitable for your business, you should contact the Environmental Health Unit for further advice.
Food Safety Supervisor
All Class 1 and 2 food business will need to have a nominated Food Safety Supervisor. This person will be responsible for the implementation of the Food Safety Program. You are required to provide Council with the name and qualifications of the Food Safety Supervisor when you submit your Food Safety Program. For futher information please visit Food Safety Supervisor Requirements
Granting registration
Council may grant registration once the following steps have been completed:
- A final inspection and approval of your premises by an Environmental Health Officer
- Receipt of a completed Application for Registration
- Receipt of a Food Safety Program (For Class 1 & 2 premises)
- Receipt of Food Safety Supervisor certificate of attainment (For Class 1 & 2 premises)
- Payment of the applicable registration fee
Once these steps are completed a Certificate of Registration under the Food Act will be issued. You will then be able to open your business to the public.
Your premises must not open prior to receiving the Certificate of Registration. Under the Food Act it is an offence to operate a food business without being registered.
Should you require any advice regarding starting a new food business, please call Council's Environmental Health Unit on 8290 3393.