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Register a food or drink business

When do I need this registration?

Local business owners are required to register their food business under the Food Act 1984.

You should only apply for this food business registration once the fit out and internal works are completed, and the business is ready to trade. 

A final inspection is required of the food premises prior to Council issuing a Certificate of Food Act Registration. Find out more about registering a food business.

Applications made today will include registration for your food and drink business until 31 December 2024.

Before you begin

All businesses, organisations, individuals and community groups selling food or drink in Victoria must be classified according to the highest level of risk their food handling activities pose. To determine what classification Class your business may be, see the Food Business Classifications Predetermined List.

It takes about 10 minutes to complete the form and you will need the following information:

  • Is this a new food or drink business or is there a change of ownership?
  • Contact details for the proprietor and business.
  • Business trading name and details.
  • Classification details of your food business.
  • Class 1 and 2: food safety program information, food safety supervisor contact details, copy of menu to upload, copy of floor plan to upload, numbers of employees.
  • Class 3: copy of menu to upload, copy of floor plan to upload, numbers of employees. 
  • Pay the application fee by Visa or Mastercard.

Applications are usually processed within 7 days after being received.

After you submit the application

  • An Environmental Health Officer will assess the application.
  • We may contact you for more information.
  • We'll notify you of the decision on whether or not a permit can be granted.
  • View our Food Safety Tips for businesses.
  • A final inspection is required prior to commencing trade. To book a final inspection, contact your Environmental Health Officer on 9599 4417 or via email.

What happens to my information?

We record your information on our customer database and make it available to relevant Council staff in line with our privacy policy for the purpose of supporting your business. 

Register a new food business
Business owner's details
Business premises address
Are you the business owner?
Applicant details

Please enter your details and we'll note you as the primary contact for this stage of the application. 

Business information section
Select the classification that best fits the business
Potentially hazardous food to vulnerable groups e.g. hospitals, child care centres, long day care, aged care facilities, nursing homes and aged care hostels.
Potentially hazardous food which requires temperature control e.g. cafes, restaurants, take away outlets, pubs and clubs, caterers, delicatessens, supermarkets with delicatessens, most food manufacturers including home-based manufacturers.
Unpackaged shelf stable foods or pre-packaged potentially hazardous food e.g. milk bars, convenience stores, fruit and vegetable sellers, cut fruit, wholesalers and manufacturers, including home-based manufacturers.
Food made using a hot-fill process such as chutney, relish, salsa, tomato sauce or any other similar food from a home or temporary premises. Handling of potentially hazardous foods to guests for immediate consumption at an accommodation getaway premises.
Low risk foods e.g. pre-packaged items at newsagents and pharmacies, bottle shops, uncut fruit and vegetables at farmers markets or by greengrocers (retail or wholesale), wine tastings (with cheese), shops and stalls with packaged cakes (excluding cream cakes), bottled jams or honey, education and care services (family day care) serving children low risk food including cut fruit.
Enter details of the food and drink preparation that will take place.
Select options that apply to your business
Effective Full Time employees

Allowed file upload: one file only
File must be less than 10 MB
Allowed file types: jpg jpeg png pdf doc docx
Total upload limit per form is 30 MB

Allowed file upload: one file only
File must be less than 10 MB
Allowed file types: jpg jpeg png pdf doc docx
Total upload limit per form is 30 MB

Food safety section
Food safety program

Allowed file upload: one file only
File must be less than 10 MB
Allowed file types: jpg jpeg png pdf
Total upload limit per form is 30 MB

Declaration
Class 1
Class 2
Class 3
Class 3A
Products / Services
Fee
Credit Card Information This payment form accepts Visa and Mastercard
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Please note that your payment may not be updated on your account until the following business day and that Visa, MasterCard (0.68%) or American Express (0.62%) card payments will be subject to a surcharge.

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