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.
To apply for a food premises plan assessment, you can complete and submit the following:
Your plan will be reviewed by an Environmental Health Officer and you will receive written advice surrounding any structural works or renovations to ensure compliance with the Food Safety Standards of the Food Standards Code. We recommend you refer to the Food premises design and construction guidelines(PDF, 1MB) (produced by the City Of Melbourne) when planning and fitting out your food premises.
Once your business is ready to operate, you 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.
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.
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 food classification, we'll notify you of the decision on whether or not your application can be processed
- you will be contacted to arrange a final inspection.
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
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.
At the final inspection, your Environmental Health Officer will:
- Assess whether your food premises has been constructed in compliance with the Food Standards Code and the Food Act 1984.
- Ensure you have the necessary cleaning chemicals and food preparation equipment to operate and prepare food safely.
- Review important Food Safety information for Businesses.
To book a final inspection, contact your Environmental Health Officer:
No storage or handling of food can occur until the registration has been finalised.