enlarge text
contact us
Food premises
.jpg) |
|
| |
Under the provisions of the Food Act 1984 any business that wishes to sell food (including alcohol) must be registered with the council.
Charities and other not-for-profit groups must also meet the relevant food safety standards to ensure only safe and suitable food is sold.
Setting up a Food Premises
Buying an Existing Food Premises
Food Safety Programs
Food Safety Supervisors
Temporary Food Premises
Setting up a Food Premises
The following council/external units need to be consulted:
- Statutory Planning
- Building
- Water Authorities
Registering with Council
To be registered with the council you must complete the following steps:
- If you wish to arrange an onsite inspection of the proposed premises
phone (02) 6022 9300 to make an appointment - Fill in an application form for plans approval and submit plans of the fit-out of the premises
- Once plans have been approved, complete construction and/or fitout of premises
- Nominate a relevant food safety supervisor
In Wodonga, food safety supervisor courses are offered at Wodonga TAFE and the Continuing Education Centre
Details on the food safety supervisor requirement may be found at www.health.vic.gov.au/foodsafety - Prepare a food safety program for the business
- Arrange a final inspection by the council's environmental health officer
- Complete an application form for Food Act premises and return to the council with appropriate fee, food safety supervisor certificate and copy of your food safety program
Please Note: Fees vary depending on the type of premises - please contact the council's health services unit on (02) 6022 9300
Top of Page
Buying an Existing Food Premises
If you are intending on buying an existing food business it is recommended that you organise an inspection of the premises prior to the transfer.
A request needs to be put in writing from your solicitor stating:
- Details of the address of the premises to be inspected
- Details of the name and adress where the report is to be sent
- Notification of any proposed alterations (plans)
- Consent from current proprietor to release infomation to you (form can be provided by Council)
- Transfer inspection report fee
Both parties must complete and Application form for Transfer of Registration before the transfer can go through.
The new owner will also need to prepare and submit a Food Safety Program and a copy of the Food Safety Supervisors certificate for the business prior to operating.
Top of Page
Food Safety Programs
A Food Safety Program is a written plan that shows how your business manages the safety of the food you prepare, serve, manufacture or sell, by describing how you control & monitor the possible food risks in your business.
Who needs a food safety program?
All businesses that sell food will need a food safety program.
The only exemption is for those businesses that only sell low risk prepackaged food.
For example, if you are a retail business that only sells pre-packaged lollies, chips and soft drinks etc, you will not need a Food Safety Program.
How do I go about getting a food safety program?
There are two options for food businesses
1. Choose to use an approved Food Safety Program Template
- Food Safety Program Template for Food Service and Retail Businesses Edition 1.1 in hard copy fomat may be purchased from Information Victoria (phone 1300 366 356) cost is $25 plus $6.50 P/H or from Council for $25. This template is also available on the Food Safety Victoria website: www.health.vic.gov.au/foodsafety
- FoodSmart is an internet based interactive tool designed to help retail and food service businesses develop their food safety programs. FoodSmart can be accessed from www.foodsmart.vic.gov.au
2. Develop an independent food safety program
- Food businesses may choose to develop their own independent Food Safety Program which will have to be audited by a certified Food Safety Auditor (additional cost). The Council will still also conduct routine inspections.
Whichever program is chosen for your business you will need to:
- Tailor the program to your business
- Lodge the food safety program with the council when you apply for food business registration
- Put the food safety pProgram into place and use it in your food business- follow listed procedures and keeping all necessary records
The council will then compliance check your Food Safety Program to ensure the program is appropriate to your business and to ensure that you are implementing the program correctly.
Top of Page
Food Safety Supervisor
The Food Act requires a food business to provide Council with written details of the name and qualification(s) or experience of the Food Safety Supervisor.
This information must be provided when first registering, renewing or transferring the registration of a food business.
A Food Safety Supervisor is a person who:
- Has a certificate or statement of attainment from a registered training authority
- Supervises food handling on the premises
- Is able to give directions to ensure safe food handling
Top of Page
Temporary food premises
If you are intending to sell food to the public from a temporary food premises you must:
- Choose an appropriate application form:
Commercial
Not for Profit - Submit the application form and fee (if required)
- Submit an approved food safety program
Submit your completed application to the council 10 working days prior to the event.
If you are giving the food away for free you will not need a permit.
For fact sheets and more information regarding safe food preparation and handling visit the food standards website www.health.vic.gov.au/foodsafety
Events Food Safety Program
The events Food Safety Program template can be downloaded from www.health.vic.gov.au/foodsafety/bus/templates/events.htm
The program needs to be:
- Printed and retained for refernce
- Fill in pages two and three of the program (number at top of the page) and return with application form
A Food Safety Program is not required if you are only selling low risk pre-packaged food (eg packaged lollies or cans of soft drink).
This information tells us about:
- Event details: location, type of event, event coordinator etc
- What happens at your event: food providers, storage, preparation, cooking processes and ensure appropriate facilities are provided.
- Event co-ordinator
An event co-ordinator is required for all temporary food premises that are held by not-for-profit groups. Commercial food stall operators will require a qualified food safety supervisor. It is the responsibility of the event co-ordinator to ensure all food sold at the event is safe and suitable.
During the event
Complete pages 25, 26 and 27 of the food safety program during the event.
Retain these pages as you may need to refer to them in the future.
This section of the food safety program includes:
- Temperature checks: Measure and write down temperatures of chilled foods (5°C & below), frozen food (frozen hard -15°C) and hot foods (60°C & above) prior to and during the event.
- Hand-washing facilities: Check that hand-washing facilities are adequate
- Food handlers: Ensure food handlers are using safe food handling practices
Further enquiries may be directed to the environmental health services unit on (02) 6022 9300.
