Register a food business or renew registration

Get info on setting up a food business

This kit contains lots of info about setting up a food business. 

New food business information kit

Classification of food premises

Your business will need to be categorised as either Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 depending on the types of food processes undertaken. An Environmental Health Officer (EHO) will ask you questions about your business processes and determine which class your business falls within.

• Class 1, 2 and 3 premises must register with Council. Registration must be renewed each year in December.
• Class 4 premises must provide a one-off notification to Council of their activities. You can do this by submitting this form. 

Food business classifications

• Class 1 premises are where the food being handled or served is to vulnerable people within a hospital, aged care, childcare setting, or by home delivery services that provide meals to people who are unable to prepare meals for themselves, such as Meals-on-Wheels.
• Class 2 are premises that handle potentially hazardous foods.
• Class 3A are premises that are home-based businesses and accommodation getaway premises that undertake specific food handling activities.
• Class 3 premises are predominately those that handle low-risk foods or pre-packaged potentially hazardous foods.
• Class 4 premises are predominately handling pre-packaged, low-risk foods.

For more info, visit the food business classifications page on the Health.vic website.

What we need to process your application

A Certificate of Registration under the Food Act 1984 will be issued, allowing you to open your business to the public, once you have submitted the following: 

• a completed application form to register your food business
• a copy of the Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (for Class 1 and 2 premises)
• a food safety program document (for Class 1 and 2 premises) 
• final inspection and approval of your premises by an Environmental Health Officer
• payment of the applicable registration and establishment fee.

Before you apply, you will also need to find out what other permits or exemptions may be required, such as:

• Planning and Building - call us on 1300 787 624 to find out what permits apply
• Water Authorities (Yarra Valley or South East Water)

How to Register

Download a food business registration form

If you're buying an existing food business

• From 1 July 2021, it's no longer possible to transfer a food business registration. Instead, if you're the new proprietor you'll need to apply for a new food business registration. The registration of the previous proprietor will then be cancelled.
• These are due to amendments to the Food Act 1984

If you're selling or closing an existing food business

If you sell your business or permanently stop trading for any reason, please email mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au with the following information:

• the business details
• the date you will stop trading

A pro-rata refund of paid registration/renewal fees may apply depending on the time of year you sell or close your business.

Without written advice, you may continue to receive information and reminders from Council.

Renew your food business registration online

For information go to the page on renewing registration

Questions?

For help with your application contact our Environmental Health team on 1300 787 624