Home based food business

Step 1.Apply for Food Premises Plan Assessment 

It is strongly recommended that all food businesses submit plans for review and assessment by our Environmental Health Officers prior to commencing any structural works or renovations. This will enable you to receive written advice surrounding the structural and fit out requirements of a food premises.

As part of this food premises plan assessment and review, you may request progress or site inspections during the planning and construction phases.

To apply for a food premises plan assessment, you can download and submit: 

• Application for Food Premises Plans Assessment(PDF, 915KB)
  

Step 2.Commence construction of the food premises

It is your responsibility to ensure all other relevant permits are obtained prior to commencement of construction. Please contact our Business Concierge Program for further information and support through this process.

Step 3.Apply for Food Business Registration

Once your business is ready to operate, you must apply for a Food Business Registration.

When do I need this registration?

All home based food 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 food business is ready to operate.

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.

Applications are usually processed within 10 business days after being received.

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

Step 4.After you submit the application

• Depending on the food business Classification, you may be required to submit a Food Safety Supervisor’s Certificate and further relevant documentation for the business.
• Once an Environmental Health Officer has reviewed your application and confirmed your food business details and classification, we'll notify you of the decision on whether or not a registration can be granted and the final steps before operating.

It is an offence to operate an unregistered food business and enforcement action may be taken. 

Step 5.Final inspection

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:

• Phone: 9784 1915
• Email: health@frankston.vic.gov.au

No storage or handling of food can occur until the registration has been finalised.