Under the Food Act 1984 (Vic), any food-related business requires registration before you can start trading.

Pre -Purchase Inspection

A pre-inspection is an examination conducted before purchasing a new food business or to review processes in an existing one. During a pre-inspection, a third party examines all records to ensure compliance with proper procedures. It is common for businesses to hire a third party to perform this type of inspection.

Pre-purchase inspections help verify the accuracy of all information before an official inspection is conducted by relevant local authorities. Before finalising commitments for any new business, we assist in designing or preparing your premises to meet legislative and regulatory requirements.

We will inspect the premises on your behalf and provide a detailed report on their current condition, highlighting any areas of non-compliance related to design, maintenance, and cleanliness in existing businesses.

Pre-purchase inspections enable businesses to address potential issues before they are identified by regulatory authorities. This can reduce the risk of being accused of intentional or unlawful violations. Additionally, it helps businesses manage their time and overall costs more effectively, providing a clear understanding of their operations and reducing the likelihood of failure.

Pre-purchase inspections for new businesses typically include:

• Conducting a site inspection.

• Pre-assessing the business plan, including design and operations.

• Evaluating material changes in the use of premises, such as:

  • Starting a new use.

  • Re-establishing an abandoned use.

  • Changing the intensity or scale of the current use.

• Providing a detailed inspection report outlining the current compliance status of the premises and activities.

Pre-purchase inspections for existing businesses typically include:

• Conducting a site inspection.

• Performing an operational inspection.

• Reviewing pre-inspections

• Assessing the potential for altering the type or size of the business.

• Providing a detailed inspection report outlining the current compliance status of the premises and activities.

Starting a new Food Business

Starting a new business requires careful planning, selecting the right business structure, understanding policies and procedures to meet legislative and regulatory requirements, and obtaining the necessary food business license.

Before applying for the food business license, there are several key considerations to avoid common application issues. We offer advisory services for design and food business license assessments. Once the license is issued, we will guide you through the process of notifying the council regarding the food safety supervisor.

This typically includes:

• Pre-assessment for initial consulting

• Site inspection

• Consulting with an architect, draftsperson, builder, or shopfitter

• Applying for design assessment application

• Conducting construction inspections

• Submitting the food business license application

• Consulting with state or local government on behalf of the business owner(s)

• Facilitating meetings between business owner(s) and authorized officers to finalize the food business license

Taking over or Amending the Existing Food Business

A pre-inspection will be carried out to ensure that food safety, hygiene, and the overall structure of the premises, along with food equipment, align with legislative and regulatory standards. Additionally, staff will receive training on food safety and hygiene to ensure they follow the established policies and procedures.

The inspection typically includes:

• Initial consulting and pre-assessment

• On-site evaluation

• Inspections during construction phases

• Operational assessments

• Delivering a comprehensive inspection report detailing the current compliance status of the premises and activities

• Processing the food business license application

• Providing consultation with state or local authorities on behalf of the business owners

• Organizing meetings between business owners and authorized officers to finalize the food business license

When taking over an existing business, it is important to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and Food Safety Standards. Additionally, the potential impact on time and costs must be considered when making modifications or updates to the food business license. Typical changes may include:

• Increasing the floor, storage, or kitchen preparation areas

• Introducing structural modifications or additional food equipment

Education and Training

Food safety and hygiene are critical for all food businesses to high standard under The Food Act 1984 and Food Safety Standards. It is the responsibility of every food business to ensure they serve safe food to their customers, making food safety and hygiene a top priority.

Each year, approximately 20% of the Australian population experiences food poisoning due to negligence by individuals directly or indirectly involved with a food business. In such cases, the business may face infringement notices (PINs), suspension or cancellation of their food business license, or even prosecution, all of which can severely damage their reputation.

To mitigate food safety risks, a Food Safety Supervisor must be available at all times while the business is operating. Both Food Safety Supervisors and food handlers are required to possess the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure that food is safe for customers, thus preventing foodborne illness. They must understand food safety and hygiene requirements and foster a culture of food safety to enhance their success rate and avoid disruptions from regulatory authorities.

This typically includes:

• One-on-one training sessions for business owners, managers, or Food Safety Supervisors

• Group training sessions for all food handlers

• Workshops designed to improve networking and collaboration among food businesses

Regular inspections of the business are advantageous in several ways, such as:

• Implementing food safety and hygiene practices through practical education and training

• Meeting all state and local government requirements before an official inspection

• Building confidence in food safety and hygiene practices within the business