Under the Food Act 1984, businesses operating in Victoria that sell food to the public must register with their local council.
Environmental Health Officers must ensure that all new food establishments are registered under the Food Act 1984 and are constructed to comply with the required standards.
If you are wanting to start a new food business, please follow the steps below:
Step 1. Contact Council's Building and Planning departments to determine if any permits are required
Step 2. Arrange an onsite visit with an Environmental Health Officer to discuss the fit-out requirements. It is recommended that prior to undertaking any works at a proposed food premises or at an existing food premises, you submit a copy of your floor plans for assessment. We recommend that you not begin any works on your new food premises before receiving your approved plans
Step 3. Submit an application to register a food premises
Step 4. Contact officers for progress and final inspections
The following documents may be helpful in starting your new food business.
When buying a food business, take the following steps.
Step 1. Contact Council's Environmental Health unit regarding your intentions to buy the business.
Step 2. Complete a Request an Inspection and Information on a Registered Premises which will give you the details of any outstanding Food Act requirements on the business.
Step 3. Apply to Register a Food Premises seven days before settlement.
If you want to start a temporary or mobile food businesses in Victoria, you must apply for Food Act registration through Streatrader.
Streatrader is a state-wide single online system that allows you to:
The following documents may also help you with mobile food businesses and market stalls: