Food permit

All businesses that store, prepare, handle, serve and sell food must be registered/notified under the Food Act 1984.

All new businesses or existing business that have changed ownership must be registered.

Your business must be classified according to the highest level of risk of your food handling activities.

Application Process

Step 1 – Go to forms and complete the Business Permit Checklist.

Step 2 – Determine your classification level.

Step 3 – Complete the application based on your classification.

Step 4 – Submit your application with any relevant documentation.

Step 5 – Your application will be assessed by an Environmental Health Officer.

Step 5 – A progress inspection may be conducted if required.

Step 6 – A final inspection must be conducted prior to opening.

Step 7 – You will receive an invoice for payment.

Step 8 – Once paid, you will receive your Registration Certificate and can begin trading.

Forms

Business Permit Checklist self-assessment tool

• To see what permits you may need from Council, complete our Business Permit Checklist.

Food Business Classifications

• To help you determine your classification level, click here.

Class 1, 2 or 3 Registration

• If you are selling high-risk foods (Class 1, 2, or 3), click here to complete this form.
• To ensure compliance with the food safety standards we ask that you submit a floor plan of your premises.  Refer to Example Floor Plans and Guidelines.

Class 4 Notification

• If you are selling low-risk foods (Class 4), click here to complete this form.

Example floor plans and guidelines

The following guidelines / tools will assist you with your application.

Commercial/mobile businesses

• Design and Construction Standards (pdf, 939KB)
• Example floor plan – Commercial (docx, 158KB)
• Example floor plan – Mobile Vehicle (docx, 136KB)

Home businesses    

• Guidelines for home based business (docx, 300KB)

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.

Food Safety

Class 1 and 2

• Department of Health Standard template (available in other languages).
• Foodsmart template (this can be completed and submitted online).
  
  

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.  

Fees and charges

Report a food sale without a permit

If you suspect that someone is selling food without a permit, contact Council on 9243 8888 or report a food sale without a permit online.

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.

Need more information?

• Food Act 1984
• Food Amendment Act 2020
• Australian Food Safety Standards 3.2.2
• So, you want to run a food business?
• Commercial waste information for food businesses
• Running a market stall

Visit the My Business page on our website for further information and to get in touch with our friendly Small Business Engagement Officer.