Before opening a new food business or making an alteration to an existing premises, Council needs to assess the plans of the set up of the food establishment.
Step 1
For us to give you accurate advice you need to discuss the proposal with the Environmental Health Unit and provide the following information before undertaking any structural works:
- A plan drawn to a scale of not less than 1 to 100.
- Specifications describing the type of materials to be used in the construction and finishing of all floors, walls, ceilings, partitions, benches, shelving, fittings, cupboards and all fixtures and equipment.
- Drainage plans indicating connection to City West Water or Application to Install Septic Tank System.
- An application form for the assessment of plans giving relevant details and submitted with the prescribed fee. This is currently $300.00.
As well as complying with the above, please ensure that you obtain the necessary approvals under any other Act or any other Authority eg. Planning and Environment Act, Building Control Act, Melbourne Water, Environment Protection Authority etc.
Council's Environmental Health Officers will help you identify what other approvals are required.
Step 2
Once the structural works have been completed and the premise is ready to commence operation, you are required to contact the Environmental Health Unit to arrange a pre-registration inspection.
At this stage you will be required to:
- Complete a Food Act Registration Form.
- Pay the appropriate Food Act Registration Fee.
- Provide a copy of the Food Safety Program (if applicable see information on FSP)
- Provide a copy of an approved Food Safety Supervisor Certificate
The appropriate Food Act registration fee will be calculated by the Environmental Health Officer and is determined by the size of your premises and risk. The fee will also be at a pro-rate depending on the area your premises is located in the municipality.
Subject to compliance; a Certificate of Food Act Registration will then be issued to the premises.