The Food Act 1984 (Vic) regulates food safety standards in Victoria. Local government officers and authorised officers of Food Safety Victoria have the responsibility of enforcing the requirements of the Act.
Council officers are responsible for inspecting food premises and food vehicles. They also oversee the implementation of a food safety program under the food premises registration system.
NOTE: The Food Act and associated regulations are about to undergo a major change if the Food Amendment (Regulation Reform) Bill 2009 is passed by the state parliament. Changes to the legislation will impact on the accuracy of the current information provided in this section.
What is Food Safety Victoria?
The Food Safety & Regulatory Activities Unit is a section Public Health Branch with the Victorian Department of Human Services. The Unit is responsible for food regulation in Victoria and for informing and educating business and the community about food safety issues.
As part of its statutory role, Food Safety Victoria is involved in food recalls, investigation of incidents of food borne illness, and responding to public health emergencies.
What is a food businesses?
In the Act, food business means a business, enterprise or activity (other than a business, enterprise or activity that is primary food production) that involves the handling of food intended for sale; or the sale of food, regardless of whether the activity is of a commercial, charitable or community nature or whether it involves the handling or sale of food on one occasion only.
Food businesses must be registered every twelve months with the local council. Each council sets its own registration fees for businesses in their districts so rates vary between municipalities. An application for registration must include a copy of the relevant food safety program for the premises (see below).
It is an offence with a maximum fine of 50 penalty to operate a food business which is not registered.
The Department of Human Services - Food Safety Unit has published a guide - "So, you want to run a food business ". Copies of the guide are available online at the Department of Human Services website - www.health.vic.gov.au.
A website managed by Food Legal, a private Melbourne based law firm, also provides valuable information on food regulatory compliance, labelling law and intellectual property issues. The site can be visited at www.foodlegal.com.au.
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