Register a food business

There are now four classes of food premises - class 1, class 2, class 3 and class 4.  The new classes are:

• Class 1 - hospitals, child care centres and aged care services which serve high risk food
• Class 2 - other premises that handle high risk unpackaged food
• Class 3 - premises that handle unpackaged low risk food or high risk pre-packaged food, warehouses and distributors
• Class 4 - premises that handle low risk packaged food, alcohol and uncut fruit and vegetables

Under the Food Act 1984, every food business must be registered with or notify Council of its activities.

When you register or notify, we will classify your business into one of the four classes based on the food safety risks of your highest risk food handling activity, and the susceptibility to food poisoning of those being served. Class 1 is the highest risk level and class 4 the lowest.

The Food Act 1984 provides that Council must not register business that does not comply with the Act, Standards and Codes.

There are other types of food premises that must register with PrimeSafe or Dairy Food Safety Victoria.

For premises that need to be registered with Council, it is against the law to operate without Food Act registration.

Detailed information on food classes is available on the Department of Health website. A Food Classification Tool is also available to help you. A good starting point for information on food standards in Australia is the Food Standards Code.

Council has a fixed registration period that runs from 1 July to 30 June each year. There is an annual fee for registration, which is set by Council.

Before you register: Do you need a building or planning permit?

You may also need to apply for a planning permit or building permit for a new food business. You need to check with Council's Building Services and Urban Planning Branches.

You may need a planning permit if:

• the use in a business zone changes and you have fewer car parking spaces than you legally need, for example a shop becomes a restaurant
• you intend to renovate or extend the building, or 
• you need a liquor license.

You may need a building permit to renovate or extend the building.

How to get your new Class 1, 2 or 3 food business or food vehicle registered

To register your premises, complete the Application for Food Act Registration form.  You will need to prepare a Food Safety Program and nominate a Food Safety Supervisor with your application.

Before granting registration, Council inspects your food business or food vehicle to assess that all requirements and standards have been met.

How to notify Council of your new Class 4 food business

Download and complete the Notification of a Food Premises form. Forward the completed form to Moreland Council. 

Forms

• Application for Food Act Registration form
• Notification of a Food Premises form

Links

• Pay a Food Invoice excluding temporary / mobile food premises
• Food Fees and Charges
• Detailed information on food classes 
• Food Classification Tool
• Food Standards Code
• So, you want to run a food business?: a PDF guide for Victorians.
• PrimeSafe
• Dairy Food Safety Victoria