We strongly recommend you apply for a Pre-Purchase inspection before purchasing an existing food business. You will provided with a report that details any outstanding food safety requirements and any Orders/Notices issued to the existing business.
On receiving the completed form, the Business Support Officer will email the applicant a tax invoice with the relevant pre-purchase inspection fees.
Applicants must allow Council up to 10 business days to complete this inspection and prepare a written inspection report. We also offer an express service for a pre-purchase inspection within 5 business days to assist with urgent requests.
Before settlement occurs the new food business proprietor must apply for a Food Business Registration.
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.
Applications made today will include registration for your food and drink business until 31 December and is renewed annually.
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 help determine your food business classification, see Food Business Classifications.
It takes about 10 minutes to apply and you will need the following information:
- Address location of your food business.
- Details for the proprietor, the primary contact person and food business.
- Food Safety Supervisor details (for Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3A food businesses).
- Business trading name and details, such as ABN and ACN.
- Is this a new food business or are you buying existing food business (a change of ownership)?
- Classification details of your food business.
- Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3A: food safety supervisor contact details, food safety program (if required), 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.
- The type of food handled, including any allergen free statements or foods.
- Pay the application fee by Visa or Mastercard.
Proprietors must allow 10 business days to review and process the application prior the business operating with new ownership.
It is an offence to operate an unregistered food business and enforcement action may be taken.
What happens to my information?
This information is collected under the requirements of the Food Act 1984 and Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 for enforcement and promotion of public health purposes, including in the Frankston City Council Food and Health Business Register. Your contact details may also be used to send you information relating to Council services for businesses. It may be provided to the Department of Health for the same purposes, and for statistical purposes related to the application of the Acts. All personal information collected by the Frankston City Council will only be used for the purpose outlined within our Privacy Policy. Council’s Privacy Policy is available from our website www.frankston.vic.gov.au and all Council Customer Service Centres. Council will take all necessary measures to prevent unauthorised access to or disclosure of your personal information and will not disclose it to any external agencies unless required or authorised by law.
Apply for Food Business Registration
Apply for Food Business Registration
If you are planning to renovate or make structural changes to the food business, it is strongly recommended that prior to commencing any structural works or renovations you submit:
You will receive written advice surrounding your proposed renovations and structural changes to ensure compliance with the Food Standards Code.
A final inspection of the premises must be completed by an Environmental Health Officer to ensure your food business complies with the relevant requirements and before you can operate. It is strongly recommended to schedule the inspection at least 5 business days prior to the proposed opening date. Following a compliant result, you will be issued a Certificate of Food Act Registration.
To book a final inspection, contact your Environmental Health Officer:
No storage or handling of food can occur until the registration has been finalised.