All food businesses and organisations that provide food to the public must ensure that the food they sell is safe.
We regulate businesses and organisations that operate within the City of Greater Bendigo monitoring their compliance with the relevant requirements by:
- Inspecting and registering food businesses
- Collecting samples of food for analysis
- Investigating complaints and incidents of illness associated with food
- Providing education and advice
All businesses that sell food and drinks to the public in Greater Bendigo must register with our Environmental Health Unit and meet the requirements of the Food Act standards before commencing trade. Should the business be sold to a new owner, the registration can be transferred.
Please note: New fees effective as July 1 each year.
Fact sheets
- Thermometers in your business
- Guidelines for installation and maintenance of mechanical ventilation hoods
- Cleaning and sanitising
- Local sporting clubs that sell food
- Home based food business
More information
When registering a food business, the city is required to classify every food premises according to their food using the Department of Health's food business classification schedule.
All Class 1 and Class 2 food premises not using a Department of Health approved template must have their food safety programs audited. For more information go to Department of Health website
Department of Health website: Community group food fundraisers
When planning to open a new food business or making alterations to an existing business, you must ensure the premises meet the requirements of the Food Act and Food Standards code.
The following information is only a guide and should be read together with the Food Standards: Guidelines for the construction and fit out of a food premise
The Australian and New Zealand Food Standards Code sets out the requirements for food businesses to ensure food that is sold is safe and suitable. One aspect of this is the requirement to label packaged foods with certain information about the product.
Refer to the food labelling section of the Australian New Zealand Food Standards Code
Using a food allergen checklist in your business
One way to manage your business’ allergen information is to develop a food allergen matrix or checklist.
This useful tool allows you to list all allergens within menu items in a quick reference table which helps staff provide information about the presence of different ingredients in menu items. You must be ensured that this information is kept up to date with food provided and regularly reviewed.
Contact us
For more information about environmental health services please contact our office on 1300 002 642 or [email protected]
Looking for more business support?
Contact our Business Help Desk for a one on one meeting on 1300 002 642 or email [email protected]