Setting Up a New Food Business

If you are looking at taking over an existing food business or starting up a new one, you must contact the Public Health Unit to find out about compliance requirements, including registration of the food business as required under the Food Act 1984.  Mobile Food Vehicles require registration with the Council where they are usually garaged.

New Food Businesses

The first step in the process is to ensure that the business you are planning is able to be conducted at your intended address.  You should contact Council’s Town Planning Department to check on permitted uses and whether any permits are required.
Town Planning – ph 9205 5373
If you are intending on constructing a new building or making any structural changes to an existing building you will need to obtain the necessary permits.  For further information contact Council’s Building Services.
Building Services – ph 9205 5095
In addition to receiving the necessary Building and Planning Permits, you need to submit two copies of scale plans to the Public Health Unit for approval prior to commencement of works.
The plans need to detail the entire premise, including outdoor areas, and describe all internal surfaces, including the position and surfaces of all fittings and fixtures.
For further details of fit out requirements, please read the Food Establishment Specifications and view the Food Safety Standards.
(Insert Step by Step Guide – ‘Submitting Plans for Approval for a Food or Health Business’)
Application PDF – Submitting Plans for Approval for a Food or Health Business
Step by Step Guide –Application to Register a Food or Health Business
Application PDF – Application to Register a Food or Health Business

Existing Food Businesses – Transfer of Proprietor

Before taking over an existing food business, it is advisable (but not compulsory) for you to arrange for a premises inspection to be conducted. This will ensure that you are aware of any outstanding orders or structural requirements placed on the business prior to settlement.
To arrange the inspection, you (or someone acting on your behalf eg. your solicitor) need to write or phone the Public Health Unit and request a 'Property Enquiry Request form' . This paperwork must be returned to us (includes the current proprietor's consent to disclose information form). The fee for this service is detailed on the property enquiry request form.
If you decide to go ahead with the business purchase, you will be required to submit a Food Safety Program, nominate your Food Safety Supervisor, complete a Transfer of Food Act Registration application and pay a relevant fee.
For further details of fit out requirements, please read the Food Establishment Specifications and view the Food Safety Standards.
Step Guide – Application to Transfer Registration of a Food or Health Business Premises
Application PDF – Application to Transfer Registration of a Food or Health Business Premises

 

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Further information

Public Health
C/O Richmond Town Hall
333 Bridge Road
Richmond 3121
Telephone 9205 5166
Email info@yarracity.vic.gov.au

Links

Within this site
Yarra City Councl

 

Information supplied by: Electronic communications & design officer - 9205 5214

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