Welcome to the Business Health & Safety section of the Benalla Rural City Council. This page provides information about regulations, guidelines, and resources to help businesses a maintain health and safety standards in our region.

Food Safety

The Council ensures food is safe for consumption through education, inspections, and compliance monitoring.

Food Business Registration

Most businesses selling food or drink must be registered with the Council and classified under the Food Act 1984 based on their risk level.

• Class 1 – High-risk premises such as hospitals and aged care services
• Class 2 – Premises handling unpackaged high-risk food
• Class 3 – Premises handling unpackaged low-risk or pre-packaged high-risk food
• Class 4 – Minimum-risk premises selling shelf-stable or pre-packaged low-risk items (e.g., fruit and vegetables, packaged cakes).

To determine which classification applies to your business or to download the appropriate forms, contact the Council or visit the Health Victoria website.

Food Safety Programs

Class 1 and 2 businesses must have an approved Food Safety Program and a qualified Food Safety Supervisor responsible for daily food-handling practices. Templates and guidance are available for preparing your program. Class 3 businesses must keep minimum food safety records, while Class 4 businesses need only notify the Council.

Community Groups

• Class 2 Community Groups holding events over one or two days need a Food Safety Program but not a Supervisor.
• Events running longer than two days require both.
• Class 3 Community Groups must maintain minimum food safety records.

For more information, please contact the Council on 03 5760 2600.

Food Safety Complaints

If you have concerns about purchased food, such as foreign objects or spoilage issues, report them to the Council as soon as possible on 03 5760 2600.

Reporting Food Complaints

Keep the food item, any foreign objects, and original packaging where applicable. Perishable items should be stored at or below 5°C. A receipt can also assist in the investigation.

Food Poisoning

If you suspect food poisoning from a local food business, contact the Council immediately. It’s crucial to seek medical attention for severe illnesses and retain leftovers in their original packaging for investigation.

Reports of food-borne illness are taken seriously, with thorough investigations including interviews, sample analysis, and inspections of implicated businesses.

Infectious Disease Control

The Council works to minimise infectious disease risks through inspections, sampling, and advice to businesses.

Public Swimming Pools

Businesses providing swimming pools or spas must comply with the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009 to prevent disease transmission. The Council monitors these facilities regularly to ensure water quality meets required standards.

Private Drinking Water Supplies

Accommodation and other businesses not connected to town water must meet strict regulations for water supply. For guidance, visit our Drinking Water page or contact the Council.

Personal Care & Body Art

Hairdressers, beauty therapists, and tattooists are covered under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008. Visit our Personal Care & Body Art Businesses page for details.

For further information about health and safety, please contact Benalla Rural City Council at 03 5760 2600.