How to register
Understand your food classification
You must comply with the food safety responsibilities of your food classification. Your class will depend on what types of food you handle and the associated food safety risks.
We will determine your class when you register your food business with us.
Class 1
Businesses that handle potentially hazardous food served to vulnerable groups within hospitals, aged care, childcare, or by home delivery services (e.g. Meals-on-Wheels).
Class 2
Businesses that handle potentially hazardous unpackaged foods. Includes restaurants, fast food outlets, pubs, caterers, delicatessens, cafes and most manufacturers.
Class 3
Medium- to high-risk businesses that sell low-risk foods, or potentially hazardous pre-packaged foods. Includes milk bars, convenience stores, fruit stalls selling cut fruit, and pre-packaged food wholesalers.
Class 3A
Home-based businesses and accommodation getaway premises that carry out specific food-handling activities.
Class 4
Food-handling activities that pose a low risk to public health. Includes bottle shops, wine tastings, and pre-packaged low-risk food sold at places like newsagents or pharmacies.
If you are from a non-profit or community organisation and need help to classify your food-handling activities, please email our Business Concierge at businessconcierge@stonnington.vic.gov.au
Prepare your documents
The documents you need will depend on your business class type.
- An independent (non-standard) food safety program – for class 1 businesses and class 2 businesses with high-risk activities.
- A copy of your nominated food safety supervisor’s training qualifications – for class 1, 2 and 3A businesses.
A food safety program is a written plan that shows how a business ensures its food and drink is safe to consume.
All class 1 food businesses and manufacturers must use an independent (non-standard) food safety program. They also receive annual food safety audits.
Class 2 businesses which conduct high-risk activities must have a food safety program. The Department of Health FoodSmart webpage has a template for class 2 businesses.
For more information on food safety programs, visit the Department of Health food safety programs webpage.
A food safety supervisor is responsible for the food safety of a business. They are qualified to recognise, prevent and address food handling hazards.
All class 1, 2 and 3A businesses must nominate a food safety supervisor and submit a current food safety supervisor certificate. This also applies if you are taking over an existing business. Please include a copy of your supervisor’s qualifications in your application.
For more information on food safety supervisors, visit the Department of Health website.
You may also need to register your business with authorities such as:
Apply online
Apply now
If you prefer a paper or PDF form, please contact us.
Have your premises inspected
An Environmental Health Officer will contact you to organise a time to visit your premises before you start operating.
Receive approval
We'll send you a report advising if your business is compliant or if there are any issues to address before you start operating.
Pay the registration fee
After we’ve inspected your premises and approved your registration, we’ll email you an invoice for the business registration fee. You can pay this online.
Start trading
We will send your Certificate of Registration via email.
You’re now ready to trade in the City of Stonnington!