Register your food business

Why do you need to register your business?

In Victoria, you need to register the following with your local council:

• any business (home or commercial) that sells food or drink
• any premises where food is prepared for sale (or provided as part of a service).

We check that your business aligns with the Food Act 1984 and Food Safety Standards to ensure that the food you sell is safe to eat.

What is a food business?

Any home based or commercial business that includes these services is considered a food business:

• cafes
• restaurants
• home business kitchens
• mobile food vehicles
• catering
• food stalls
• grocers
• supermarkets
• child care centres
• aged care facilities
• any businesses that offers or distributes food for sale

What risk rating is my business activity?

Your food business will be classified according to its food safety risk and food handling activities occurring at the premises.

There are five classes: 1, 2, 3A, 3 and 4.  Classes 1, 2, 3A and 3 must register and Class 4 must notify your local council.

For more information on your risk rating visit the Victorian Department of Health.

How much does it cost?

View full list of fees

What happens next?

• We will contact you and issue an invoice once we receive your application.
• After your pre-approval has been finalised, you will need to obtain a Food Safety Supervisor Training certificate.
• Once you have been registered, we will conduct an annual inspection to ensure your business meets the requirements under the Food Act 1984. We will also offer ongoing advice and education.
• If you change your business activity, contact us as this may affect your risk rating.

How to cancel your registration?

To cancel your registration, email your closure advice to manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au.

Include in the email:

• the proprietors name
• the proprietors address

If you are eligible for a partial refund of your registration fee, complete the request form below and include it with your closure advice email. 

Can you get a refund?

You can get a refund if you cancel your registration.

The amount of the refund depends on when we receive your closure advice email.

• before 1 April - we refund 50 per cent of the paid registration fee
• before 1 July - we refund 25 per cent of the paid registration fee
• after 1 July - no refund available. 

If you can get a refund, submit the refund request form with your closure advice email.