All food businesses and organisations that provide food to the public have a responsibility to ensure that the food they sell is safe.

Our Environmental Health Officers ensure that businesses and organisations within the City of Greater Bendigo comply with the relevant requirements to ensure the safety of food.

This is achieved by undertaking inspections of food businesses, collecting samples of food for analysis, investigating complaints and incidents of illness associated with food and providing education and advice.

All businesses that sell food (including drinks) to the public in Greater Bendigo must register or notify (depending on class/business activities) our Environmental Health Unit prior to commencing trade.

Anyone interested in starting a food business or who is interested in purchasing an existing food business should familiarise themselves with the relevant requirements.

There are many publications and guidelines available on this website to assist you. 

For information about temporary/mobile food events (including sausage sizzles) please visit the Events and Fundraisers page.

Food Act Renewals

All Food Act registrations expire 31 December each year. All premises/businesses will receive their Food Act Renewals by the end of October each year. If you do not receive your renewal by mid November please contact 5434 6333 or email.

Please remember to submit completed and signed renewal application forms together with payment.

Food Act changes

Major changes to the Food Act are being phased in between July 2010 and July 2011 in three distinct phases.

These changes are intended to reduce the compliance costs for businesses (including community groups that sell food) by allowing regulations to be better matched to the level of food safety risk.

The first phase of changes was introduced on 1 July 2010. Refer to the guide to Food Act changes for more information.

Water Carters for private drinking water 

The Food Act 1984 applies to the sale of food. "Food" includes water that is sold for human consumption or is used in the preparation of food. It is an offence to sell water for this purpose that is unsafe or unsuitable for human consumption.

A water transport vehicle is a vehicle used by a private water carter:

1. from which water is sold or handled with the intention that it be sold; and
2. that is used to transport water that is intended for:

• human consumption; or
• purposes connected with human consumption (such as the preparation of food or the making of ice for consumption or for the preservation of unpackaged food -

(whether or not the water is used for other purposes once it is delivered).

Victoria's Food Act Private drinking water carters guidelines

Registration with other authorities

Some businesses are required to register with other authorities and do not need to register with us.

• Primesafe regulates businesses that sell, transport, store or prepare mainly meat, fish or seafood (like a butcher or fishmonger). Phone (03) 9685 7333 or visit Primesafe
• Dairy Food Safety Victoria regulates businesses that sell, make, transport or prepare mainly dairy products (like a dairy or cheese maker). Phone (03) 9810 5900 or visit Dairysafe

Food Safety News: Newsletters

If you hold a current Food Act registration with us and would like newsletters sent via email please send your name, business details and email address to the Environmental Health Unit

• Food Safety News: Summer 2010 /11
• Food Safety News: Winter 2011
• Food Safety News: Spring/Summer 2011
• Food Safety News: Autumn 2012
• Food Safety News: Winter 2012

Fact Sheets

1. Thermometers in your business
2. Requirements for establishing a Bed and Breakfast
3. Guidelines for installation and maintenance of mechanical ventilation hoods

Update for Temporary and Mobile food vendors/events

 A new website for temporary and mobile food businesses, food vending machine businesses and water carters operating in Victoria is now available. The website is called Streatrader.

Your registration will enable your organisation to trade anywhere in Victoria, provided you lodge a Statement of Trade via Streatrader.

The Streatrader system is now live. Proprietors/event holders will now lodge applications and manage their Statements of Trade (SOTs) and applications using the on-line system.

How to access the system

You can access the system using the following web address: Streatrader

Further help using the system

Proprietors requesting further assistance using the system should contact the Streatrader Hotline on 13 22 15 or email streatrader. 

Please Note: New fees effective as of the 1st July each year.

Environmental Health Application forms:

1. Application form to register a Class 1, 2 or 3 permanent food premise
2. Application form to transfer a food premise registration
3. Notification of a permanant Class 4 food business
4. Request for a pre-purchase inspection and letter of consent form

Guidelines for opening a new food business:

1. Guidelines for opening a Class 1 food business
2. Guidelines for opening a Class 2 food business
3. Guidelines for opening a Class 3 food business
4. Guidelines for opening a Class 4 food business
5. Guidelines for the construction and fit-out of a food premise
6. Guidelines for a Home based food business

Information is also available on the following websites

• Department of Health - Food Safety
• Food Standards Australia and New Zealand
• Food Safety Information Council
• Food Smart

For further information

Please contact the Environmental Health Department on phone 03 5434 6333 or send an email to Health