Buying an existing food business
If you are thinking of buying an existing food business, we can advise whether it is registered with us and if the fit-out meets the Food Standards Code.
Ask us to inspect the premises to confirm if it meets food safety requirements. Once the business is changed into your name, any outstanding requirements are your responsibility.
Understand the food safety code
It is important that food businesses meet the Food Standards Code. All businesses are classified according to the food safety risk they present. There are 5 classes of food premises, and each has different registration or notification requirements.
To understand what is required, read our Guidelines for Food Premises Design and Equipment(PDF, 116KB).
Check the premises complies
You can book an inspection of the business to check if it meets the food safety requirements.
Send us the Pre-purchase Inspection of a Food Premises(PDF, 63KB) form with the relevant fee. This step is optional, but recommended.
Change of business ownership
As part of the settlement process, you must let us know that you are the new business operator.
Contact us on 9457 9965 to request a change of ownership and registration form to complete and return with the relevant fee.
An Environmental Health Officer will conduct an inspection of the business and asses compliance with the Food Standards Code. If there are any issues with the business this may delay registration being granted.
Lodge paperwork with Council
For class 1 and 2 businesses you need to send us a copy of your Food Safety Supervisor Certificate before opening the doors. You also need to have a food safety program ready for when you operate the business. This describes how the business ensures that the food it sells is safe for consumption. For more information and templates, go to health.vic food safety program. For class 3 businesses, you need to provide copies of at least the minimum records required.
Learning about food safety
If you are considering working in the food industry, try the Do Food Safely online food safety learning program. It's free and includes 6 topics on food safety and a final quiz. If you score more than 90% on the quiz you are awarded a certificate.
This certificate is not equivalent to the Food Safety Supervisor training certificate.
Making changes to the business
If you are renovating or making changes to the business layout, it is recommended that you submit plans for assessment to ensure it complies with the requirements and to avoid costly mistakes and delays with the registration of your business.
To submit plans, complete the plans submission form and submit for assessment. An Environmental Health Officer will contact you in 10 working days once your plans have been assessed.
If you are thinking of changing the menu, it is important to discuss this with an Environmental Health Officer as this may change the risk class of the business and other structural requirements may apply.