Food Safety for Businesses

Food Safety

Frankston City's Health Services seeks to ensure food prepared, stored and sold in the city is wholesome, free from contamination, nutritious and safe.

Council Environmental Health Officers conduct regular inspections and compliance checks in conjunction with food sampling programs and investigation of complaints in order to ensure food businesses comply with the provisions of the Food Act 1984 and Australian Food Safety Standards .

Fresh Meat and Seafood Business's are not required to be registered with Council, for further information please contact Prime safe on 9685 7333.

Standards

Food Safety Standard 3.2.3 describes in detail the set up of a food premises, download a copy of Standard 3.2.3 Food Premises and Equipment file or visit the Food Standards Web site.

Starting a Food business

When setting up a food business the following issues need to be considered:

  • Have property inspected and check if other permits are required
  • Develop a floor plan 
  • Request fit out and a final inspection. 
  • Develop Food Safety Program and arrange Food Safety Training 
  • Register your business
  1. It is advisable to request an initial site inspection to determine suitability of the property and to ascertain if permits are required from building, planning, local laws and other authorities such as South East Water.
  2. A detailed floor plan will need to be developed and submitted showing
    Lay out, materials/surfaces suitability (stainless steel, laminate etc.), adequate facilities (refrigeration, ventilation) and the flow of the processing. 
  3. Checking with your EHO at regular intervals throughout the fit out period and requesting a final inspection prior to opening for trade will ensure your business is on track to begin trading without delay.
  4. All food businesses are required to submit a Food Safety program. Food Safety programs simply describe the steps you take to make or sell your food. Class 2 businesses can obtain a food safety program template online from Department of Human Services (DHS), however high risk or Class1 businesses must provide an independent food safety program and an independent food safety auditor must audit the program annually.
  5. You must nominate a Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) for your business. FSS supervise and direct all staff handling food. They must hold the certificate of attainment of competencies set by DHS. Further information and a list of registered training organisations can be found at the following Web sites, Short Courses Victoria, TAFE Courses and training.com.au.
  6. The Food Act 1984 requires that Food Business's register with their Local Council. Contact your area EHO at Council Health Services to obtain a registration application.

Purchasing a Business

When purchasing an existing business

  • Check with council for registration currency
  • Request a Transfer Inspection to determine any issues before settlement
  • Prepare a food safety program
  • Attend training or nominate a suitable Food Safety Supervisor
  • Complete transfer application form and pay fee
  1. Check that the business you wish to purchase is registered with Council. All businesses must register with the Council in accordance with Food Act 1984. 
  2. In order to operate the business you must request to have the registration transferred from the existing proprietors name to your own. A transfer inspection is generally conducted to alert you to any issues outstanding and requiring attention. Transfer requests must be in writing and allow at least 3 working days for the process to be completed.
  3. You will require a food safety program. Food safety programs simply describe the steps you take to make or sell your food. Class 2 businesses can obtain a food safety program template online from Department of Human Services (DHS), however high risk or Class1 businesses must provide an independent food safety program and an independent food safety auditor must audit the program annually.
  4. You must nominate a Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) for your business. FSS supervise and direct all staff handling food. They must hold the certificate of attainment of competencies set by DHS. Further information and a list of registered training organisations can be found at the following Web sites, Short Courses Victoria, TAFE Courses and training.com.au.
  5. Complete and return the Transfer of registration form and applicable fee to Council. Your EHO will then arrange a follow up inspection in the following weeks.

Food at Events

Food Safety Requirements at Events in Frankston

Where food is being offered for sale to the public, Victorian food safety laws apply. This affects both businesses and community organisations who want to prepare or sell food.

A temporary permit is not currently required.

The following services and facilities are required:

  • Adequate power supply and means of keeping food hot and/or cold
  • Electronic probe thermometer (where hot or cold food is to be sold)
  • Adequate waste disposal bins
  • Hand washing facility provided with warm running water, liquid soap and paper towel
  • Access to clean toilets for food handlers

Commercial business

Prior to the event the following information must be provided to the Councils Health Services.

  1. A copy of current year Food Act registration certificate
  2. Advice as to which Food Safety Program the business will be being used on the day (as lodged with Council wherever registered).
  3. A copy of the menu of foods to be offered
  4. A copy of the qualifications for the Food Safety Supervisor who will be present on the day.

No temporary permit fee will be charged. Council requires appropriate Food Safety program records to be available.

Note that without current Food Act registration with a Victorian Council the operator is unable to participate in the event.

Community organisations

Some community organisations may have Food Act Registration however this is not a prerequisite. Each organisation will be assessed on a case by case basis.

Prior to the event the following information must be provided to the Councils Health Services:

  1. Copies of pages 2 and 3 from the document 'Food Safety Program Template Food Events' 
  2. A copy of the menu of foods to be offered
  3. Details of the nominated food safety person and their phone number.
  4. Records must be available, and donated products labeled, as per the Events Template.

Food Related Complaints

Consumer complaints relating to food are investigated by Council Health Services:

  • Food Poisoning
  • Food Adulteration/ Contamination
  • Poor food Handling/Hygiene
  • Unclean Premises
  • Unregistered premises

For further information concerning the above matters visit the Department of Human Services Food Safety Web site.

All complaints relating to these matters should be immediately reported to Council Health Services on
9768 1317.

Forms

Food Safety Program Template Food Events (available from Council Health Office or from Victorian Government Food Safety Program Templates.

Contact

For more information, contact Council's Environmental Health Coordinator on (03) 9768 1317 or email correspondence@frankston.vic.gov.au.  

 

Page updated Wednesday, 11 January 2012   Was this information useful?