What you need to know
Food permit
All businesses that store, prepare, handle, serve and sell food must be registered/notified under the Food Act.
Your business must be classified according to the highest level of risk of your food handling activities.
If you would like assistance in setting up your small business, contact our Small Business Engagement Officer on 9243 8866 or email business@mvcc.vic.gov.au.
For a better understanding of risk levels, visit Food Business Classifications.
Opening a food business or changing ownership
All new businesses or existing business that have changed ownership must be registered under the Food Act 1984.
What’s new?
New Changes to legislation for ownership of food businesses
Effective 1 July 2021 new changes to legislation for ownership of food businesses will apply. You will no longer be able to Transfer your Registration.
The amendments made to the Food Act 1984 can be found by viewing the Food Amendment Act 2020.
If you require an inspection prior to the Food business changing ownership, you can request a Condition of Premises Inspection report (pdf, 114KB) to make sure you are aware of any outstanding orders or structural requirements placed on the business.
What do you need to do?
- Complete and submit a Small Business Application form.
- To ensure compliance with the food safety standards we ask that you also prepare some floor plans/drawings for your premises. The following guidelines will assist you with the business.
Commercial/mobile businesses
- Design and Construction Standards (pdf, 939KB)
- Example floor plan – Commercial (docx, 158KB)
- Example floor plan – Mobile Vehicle (docx, 136KB)
Home businesses
Temporary
- Guidelines for temporary business (pdf, 482KB)
- Temporary food premise layout (Food Standards Code) (pdf, 1MB)
- Example floor plan – Temporary food business (docx, 168KB)
If you intend to operate a temporary or mobile premise in Victoria you must also apply for state-wide registration via Streatrader.
What’s next?
Your application will be assigned to a Health Officer who will liaise with you throughout the process until you are ready to open.
Please allow 21 days from receipt of your documentation for your plans to be assessed.
If you would like assistance in setting up your small business in Moonee Valley, contact us on 9243 8866 or email business@mvcc.vic.gov.au.
Food safety
Food safety requirements
| Class type | Do you require a Food Safety Program? | Are you required to maintain Minimum Records? | Do you require a Food Safety Supervisor? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yes | No | Yes |
| 2 | Yes | No | Yes |
| 3 | No | Yes | No |
| 4 | No | No | No |
Food Safety Programs templates and minimum record sheets
Class 1 and 2
- Department of Health Standard template (available in other languages)
- Foodsmart template (this can be completed and submitted online)
Class 3
Food safety supervisors training
Find out more about food safety supervisor training
Class 3 and 4 food premises do not require a qualified Food Safety Supervisor.
Although there is free online training.
Food Safety Standards
The Food Safety Standards set the rules that you must comply with in the day-to-day operations of your business to ensure your food is safe.
Class 1, 2 and 3 premises must comply with these standards.
Food safety complaints
We conduct regular food premise inspections and investigate complaints to make sure food safety regulations are met.
If you suspect that someone is selling food without a permit:
Call Citizens Services on 9243 8888 or report a food sale without a permit online
Fees and charges
All businesses that store, prepare, handle, serve and sell food must be registered/notified under the Food Act.
| Food Act | Fee | |
| Commercial | Class 1 & 2 | Class 3 |
| Initial registration (January – March) | $955 | $865 |
| Initial Registration Pro Rata (April – June) | $785 | $720 |
| Initial Registration Pro Rata (July – September) | $620 | $575 |
| Initial Registration Pro Rata (October – December) | $450 | $425 |
| Registration for each employee after 10 | $30 | $30 |
| Renewal | $675 | $585 |
| Notification – Class 4 | Exempt | |
| Community Group | ||
| Initial registration and renewal | $225 | |
| Notification – Class 4 | Exempt | |
| Other fees | ||
| Request for condition of premises report | $242 |
Need more information?
Australian Food Safety Standards 3.2.2
So, you want to run a food business?
Commercial waste information for food businesses
How to appeal an Infringement
If you are issued with an infringement for a premises registered with council, you can apply to have the matter reviewed. To apply for internal review, please complete and submit an online application.