Food Businesses

Registering a Food Business

To register your new food business, please complete and lodge a Food Business Licence application form.

If you are registering a food business for the first time, one of our Environmental Health Officers will inspect your premises before issuing a Certificate of Registration of a Food Business. You need the certificate before opening for business. See Food Inspections (link) for more information.

Please note that if you have not operated a food business before you are encouraged to complete some food handler training available at I’M ALERT Interactive Online Training.

Taking Over an Existing Food Business

Food business approvals are not transferable and potential new businesses must be assessed and approved prior to handling food for sale.

If you are planning to purchase an existing food business we recommend that you request a report on the current status of compliance of the premises prior to signing a contract. This then gives you the opportunity to negotiate completion of any required works with the current owner before you accept full responsibility for them under the Food Act 2003.

Before making any alterations or renovations to the fit-out of the premises, please contact us to discuss your proposal.

Altering a food premises in accordance with the required approval process will prevent you from having to undertake costly remedial work if the fit-out does not meet legal requirements.

Existing Food Business Operators

Ongoing approval of a food business requires maintaining compliance with the Food Act 2003, the Food Standards Code and the conditions of approval.

All registrations expire annually on 31st August. We will send you a Food Business renewal form and fee information in July.

You must pay your application fee when you lodge your completed renewal or application form.
Note: we cannot process your renewal without a completed form and fee payment.

King Island Food Business Fees

Closure or Sale of Food Business

If you are closing or selling your food business, please advise us in writing that you wish to cancel your registration. Food business registration is not transferable and a new owner will need to gain their own approval prior to operating.

Food Inspections

By law all premises, food vans and anywhere that food is manufactured, prepared, packed, stored or sold must be registered with the Council. As part of the registration, each registered food outlet must be inspected by a Health Inspector appointed by Council. The Inspector checks on food storage, temperature control, food protection, cleanliness of utensils and equipment, refuse storage, labelling of foods and personal hygiene of staff. The condition of the building is also checked to ensure that it complies with the relevant regulations.

Food Sampling

For each type of food sold, there is a prescribed standard for the type of ingredients and additives which are permitted. The inspector may take a number of food samples from different premises and submit them for analysis. Those premises whose samples do not comply with the standards may be prosecuted.

Online Food Safety Course

For the public to be confident that the food they purchase is of suitable quality, and is safe to eat, it is imperative that food handlers have the necessary knowledge and skills.

King Island Council has an agreement in place with Environmental Health Australia to provide a nationally recognised online food safety course. The course is free and is easy to access. Simply visit http://www.kingisland.imalert.com.au/ sign up, and away you go.

This course can be undertaken by anyone with involvement or interest in handling food for public consumption including restaurant and take-away providers, retailers and wholesalers, market stallholders and canteen cuisine.

The course can be completed in stages, or all at once. It is entirely up to the individual, as to what pace they wish to complete the course. Good luck and Bon Appetit!

If you have any questions in regards to the course, please do not hesitate to contact the King Island Council.