All Victorian food businesses that handle, prepare, package, store, serve, supply or convey food must be registered with their local Council.
Businesses exempt from this requirement (class 4)include those selling:
- Low risk, packaged food
- Sausage sizzles conducted at temporary food premises
- Cake stalls,biscuits,tea and coffee sales conducted at temporary food premises by community groups.
Proprietors of class 1 and 2 food businesses must lodge with Council, either an independent FSP or a Department of Human Services approved Template (FSP).Proprietors of a business declared to be class 3 are only required to keep specified records.
FSP Templates can be obtained by the following:
Proprietors of food businesses must operate in accordance with an independent Food Safety Plan, or Department of Human Services approved template, with the City of Greater Geelong, unless classified as class 3 or 4 premises.
The FSP is designed and implemented to assist in preventing and controlling unsafe or unsanitary conditions from the sale and handling of food.
Legislative Requirements
A new Food Safety Plan must be put into operation with us prior to opening a new food premises or when a food premises transfers ownership.
As a proprietor lodging an independent Food Safety Plan, you must have your program and business audited by a third party. We will also routinely assess your business for compliance.
We will carry out routine assessments for those businesses with a Department of Human Services Template to ensure that the Food Safety Plan is being appropriately implemented.
Approval from other authorities
Permits or exemption may be required from other authorities or departments within our organisation prior to applying for a registration with our Health Services.
Initial registration process of your food premises
You will need to submit the "Proposal to Register a Premises"form and a two copies of the plans prior to any work commencing.A fee for this process will be required prior to trading and advice on this based on premises classification and type may be obtained through contacting Health Services on ph 03 52724411
Premises Construction
A Council officer will assess the plans and liaise with you prior to and during the construction stages, including progress inspections of the development.
Food Safety Supervisor
All food businesses of class 1 and 2 must nominate a Food Safety Supervisor.Class 3 premises may have a food safety supervisor but it is no longer required under legislation.
Registration Approval
An inspection of the premises is required prior to the business opening.
Registrations will be granted once once appropriate requirements are met including (as required) the Food Safety Plan and Food Safety Supervisors certificate lodged and we are satisfied that all requirements have been met.
An officer must inspect the premises prior to the business opening.
Registration Renewals
Annual registration period is from 1 January to 31 December each year and we carry out inspections throughout the year.
Food Safety Program Inspections
For those businesses with a Council Template FSP, routine assessments are carried out by Council to ensure that the FSP is being appropriately implemented.
If a proprietor lodges an independent FSP, the program and business must be audited by a third party and is also subject to routine compliance assessments by Council.