Operating a food business

If you're thinking about starting a food business, buying an existing food business or making changes to an existing business, there are important food safety requirements you need to consider.

Food businesses in Victoria must comply with the Food Act 1984 and applicable requirements of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. Most food service, retail and manufacturing businesses are registered with or notified to their local council. Businesses that mainly handle meat, poultry, seafood or dairy may instead require a Safe Food Victoria licence.

Council's Environmental Health Officer can assess your proposed premises plans as part of the registration application process. We recommend submitting your application and plans before commencing building works or alterations. This can help identify any required changes before works are completed and reduce the risk of delays or additional costs in obtaining registration.

New business

Before establishing your new food business, please contact Council to discuss your proposal and registration requirements.

Step 1.Prepare your application

Before submitting your application, you will need to consider the type of food activities your business will undertake. This will determine the classification of your food premises and the food safety requirements that apply.

Depending on your food premises classification and food handling activities, you may be required to have a Food Safety Supervisor and/or a Food Safety Program. Council will advise you which requirements apply to your business.

Step 2.Submit your application and premises plans

Complete and submit the Application to Register a Food Premises form, your premises plans and the applicable fee.

Council's Environmental Health Officer will review your application and plans against the applicable food safety requirements.

Step 3.We'll inspect the premises

Once your application has been received and the premises is ready, Council's Environmental Health Officer will inspect the premises to assess compliance with the Food Act 1984 and applicable requirements of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

Any outstanding requirements will need to be addressed before registration can be granted.

Step 4.Your registration is issued

Once Council is satisfied that the premises complies with the standards and statutory requirements, we'll issue you a Certificate of Registration. Congratulations!

Your food business must continue to comply with applicable food safety requirements while operating.

Existing business

If you're considering purchasing an existing food business, we recommend contacting Council before settlement to discuss the registration process and any food safety requirements that may apply.

A new proprietor must apply to register the food premises in their name before commencing operation of the business.

Step 1.Submit your application

Complete and submit an Application to Register a Food Premises to Council before you intend to begin operating the business. The existing proprietor should also notify Council of the change of ownership and the date they will cease operating the business. Your application will be assessed to determine the food premises classification and the requirements that apply.

Step 2.We'll inspect the premises

Council's Environmental Health Officer will arrange an inspection of the premises as part of the registration process.

The inspection will assess the premises against the applicable requirements of the Food Act 1984 and the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. If any issues requiring attention are identified, Council will discuss these with you and advise what needs to be addressed before registration can be granted

Step 3.Your registration is issued

Once Council is satisfied that the applicable requirements have been met and the relevant registration fee has been paid, Council will register the premises in the new proprietor's name and issue a Certificate of Registration.

You can commence operating once the required registration has been granted.

Step 4.We'll follow up

Council may conduct a further inspection after your business begins operating to assess food handling practices, identify any food safety issues and provide guidance about your ongoing food safety obligations.

For any questions or application forms, please contact Council.

Help with starting a food business

Before you consider purchasing a food business, make sure that you read the Department of Health's 'Starting a food business' web page. There, you'll learn about the different types of food businesses, food business classifications, and safety programs and supervisors.

Helpful resources

Safe Food Victoria – Food service, retail and manufacturing

Safe Food Victoria – Food safety programs

Safe Food Victoria – Food safety supervisor

Safe Food Victoria – Food handler training: DoFoodSafely

Temporary and mobile food premises

A temporary food premises is a premises that is not permanently fixed to a site and is used to sell or handle food for sale. Examples include stalls and marquees operating at markets, festivals and other events.

For more information about selling food out of a temporary premises, click on the link below.

Learn More