All Victorian food businesses that handle, prepare, package, store, serve, supply or convey food must be registered with their local Council.  The City's registration period is from 1 January to 31 December each year and inspections by Environmental Health Officers and Food Safety Officers are carried out throughout the year to ensure ongoing compliance.

If you are thinking of starting your own business, there are some important steps you will need to follow.  Below is a summary of the steps, for detailed information refer to Starting a New Food Business (PDF-35KB)

Step One - Approval from other authorities
Permits or exemption may be required from other authorities or departments within Council prior to applying for a registration with the City's Health Services Unit.

Step Two - Approval of plans of the food premises
An Approval of Plans from needs be submitted to the City's Health Services Unit, along with the appropriate fee and two copies of plans PRIOP to any work commencing.

Click here for Approval of Plans Application (PDF-49KB)

Step Three - Premises construction
An officer will assess the plans and liase with you during the construction stages.

Step Four - Food Safety Program
Every food business, with the exception of those businesses that sell only low risk, packaged food, is required to have a Food Safety Program.  An officer will advise you of these requirements during the approval stage.

Step Five - Food Safety Supervisor
Every food business is required to nominate a Food Safety Supervisor.  Some community groups are exempt from this requirement, so if you are unsure what the requirement will be for your business contact the Health Services Unit.

Step Six - Granting registration
An inspection of the premises is required PRIOR to the business opening.  Registration will be granted once the Food Safety Plan and Food Safety Supervisors certifcate are lodged with the Health Services Unit and the officer is satisfied that all requirements have been met.

 
Other information available from the Health Services Unit includes:

• Food Premises Specifications for Structural Design 
• Mobile Food Guidelines
• Home Occupation Guidelines
• Bed and Breakfast Guidelines
• Food Labelling information
• Thermometer Supplier list
• Food Safety Supervisor requirements
• Tobacco legislation summary sheet
• Mechanical Exhaust Ventilation Specifications
• Gas Safety Information
   

Information in other languages
The Department of Human Services (DHS) have produced the Food Safety Program Template in the following languages:  Vietnamese, Arabic, Turkish and Chinese

In addition, copies of the record section of the Food Safety Program Template are available  the following languages:
Greek, Italian, Macedonian and Cambodian.

 
Other useful sites:
www.health.vic.gov.au/foodsafety
www.foodstandards.gov.au