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Home>Council Services>Health Services>Food Safety
All food premises are registered and inspected by Council's Environmental Health Officer. In addition, samples of food are purchased and tested by an independent laboratory to ensure compliance with the National Food Standards Code. All complaints about food poisoning and unclean food shops / food handlers are also investigated by Council's Environmental Health Officer.
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 Setting up a new food business
Buying an existing food business
Food Safety Programs
Food Safety Supervisor
Community Group
Food Poisoning / Complaints
| Setting up a new food business | | Everybody who prepares, stores or sells food has a legal obligation to be registered under the Food Act with the relevant local Council.
In addition to receiving the necessary Building and Planning Permits, you will need to submit 2 copies of scale plans to the Environmental Health Officer for approval prior to commencement of works. A plans approval fee of $125 is applicable.
"Guidelines for Food Premises Design and Equipment" have been developed to assist people establishing or altering a food premises (see link below).
You will also need to prepare and submit a Food Safety program for your business and apply for Food Act registration prior to opening Top
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| Buying an existing food business
| | If you are buying an existing food business, it is advisable to organise an inspection of the premises under the Food Act prior to negotiating the purchase. Such a request must be in writing, and include the following:- Details of the address of the premises to be inspected
- Details of the name and address where the report is to be sent
- Notification of any proposed refurbishment
- Fee of $125 for the report
- Consent from current proprietor to release information to you.
Where significant refurbishment works are proposed an on-site meeting is strongly recommended.
When the transfer is finalised, both parties must complete an "Application Form for Transfer of Registration" and pay the appropriate fee (see link below).
You will also need to prepare and submit a Food Safety Program for your business prior to operating.Top
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| Food Safety Programs | | A Food Safety Program must be submitted by food businesses. A Food Safety Program is a written plan that describes how a food business will control, monitor and manage food safely. There are 2 ways of preparing a Food Safety Program:- Using a Food Safety Program Template
- Various Food Industry Groups have developed templates. In addition, the Department of Human Services has developed two templates for Retail and Food Service Businesses. A copy of the template can be purchased at the Benalla Civic Centre at a cost of $25, or from information Victoria (phone 1300 366 356) or at www.foodsafety.vic.gov.au.
- Alternatively, visit www.foodsmart.vic.gov.au to access the on-line version of the Department of Human Services template.
- Writing your own Food Safety Program
- Some businesses (such as large food manufacturers) may wish to write their own or employ someone to write their Food Safety Program. These businesses will then need to be audited by a third party.
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| Food Safety Supervisor
| | Every food business that has a Food Safety Program must also nominate someone to be their Food Safety Supervisor. This person must have a certificate or statement of attainment against the required competencies from a Registered Training Organisation.
For more information access "Food Safety Supervisors, Skills and Knowledge - guide for businesses" available at www.foodsafety.vic.gov.au/downloads/fss_document.pdf.
For a list of training providers, visit the wwebsite: www.foodsafety.vic.gov.au/downloads/providers.pdf. Alternatively, contact the Health Services Unit.Top
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| Community Group | | Any Community Group or Commercial Food Operator intending to set up a temporary food premises/stall must obtain a copy of Council's "Guidelines for Temporary Food Premises".
An application form for "Temporary Food Premises- Community Group" or "Temporary Food Premises - Commercial Food Operators" must also be completed,signed and returned at least 14 days prior to the event.
Application forms are available on this site
If the stall or event is to be held on Council property(eg footpath), contact must also be made with Council's Local Laws Department - phone 5760 2652.
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| Food Poisoning / Complaints | | Council's Environmental Health Officer investigates customer complaints about alleged food poisoning, poor food handling or cleanliness, and food found to contain foreign objects.
If you suspect you have food poisoning, please contact our office as soon as possible to allow effective follow-up. Any leftover food should be wrapped and stored in your fridge. You will be asked to explain your symptoms, onset time and 3 day food history. As part of the investigation, you will be asked to provide a faecal sample, if this has not already been done by your doctor.
If you have concerns regarding any of the following areas, please contact Council's Customer Relations Team.
Information on 'doggie bags' including a sample sticker for doggie bag containers:
Useful Contacts
Food Standards Australia - www.anzfa.gov.au
Department of Human Services - Food Safety Unit - www.foodsafety.vic.gov.au
Food Act - www.foodsafety.vic.gov.au/legislation.htm
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