What does the law require of
your food business?
Victoria’s food premises classes, the FSANZ standards that apply to you, and who checks — in plain English, with links to the official sources.
In Victoria, food businesses are regulated under the Food Act 1984 and must follow the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. Your obligations depend on your premises class (1, 2, 3, 3A or 4), which is set by the risk of the food you handle. Higher classes need a food safety program, a food safety supervisor, and audits or inspections. Most businesses are registered with their local council. Since 1 July 2026, dairy, meat, poultry and seafood businesses are licensed by Safe Food Victoria, which replaced Dairy Food Safety Victoria and PrimeSafe.
General guidance only, not legal advice. Confirm your class and obligations with your council or regulator.
Victoria’s food premises classes
Your class is set by the highest-risk food activity you carry out. Your council confirms it when you register.
| Class | Who it covers | Examples | Key obligations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Mainly handle potentially hazardous food served to vulnerable people | Hospitals, aged care, childcare centres | Food safety program kept on site, independent audit, qualified food safety supervisor, council registration |
| Class 2 | Handle unpackaged, potentially hazardous food that needs temperature control | Restaurants, cafés, caterers, many manufacturers | Food safety program (council template or independent, audited), food safety supervisor, registration and inspection |
| Class 3 | Handle unpackaged low-risk food, or sell pre-packaged potentially hazardous food | Some bakeries, convenience stores, packaged food distributors | Registration, inspection, minimum records |
| Class 3A | Specific home-based or accommodation activities, and some hot-fill products | Accommodation getaways, certain chutneys and relishes | Registration, inspection, food safety supervisor |
| Class 4 | Lowest-risk activities | Pre-packaged shelf-stable food, wine tastings, uncut fruit and veg | Notify council; no food safety supervisor, audit or inspection |
Summarised from Health Victoria and council guidance such as Bass Coast Shire. Requirements vary with your activities, so confirm your class with your council.
The FSANZ standards most businesses need to know
Food safety practices
Receiving, storage, processing, display, temperature control, cleaning, health and hygiene. Applies to nearly every food business. Manufacturers, wholesalers and importers also need a recall system.
Food safety management tools
In force since 8 December 2023 for food service, caterers and some retailers: a food safety supervisor, food handler training, and records for key controls. In Victoria, manufacturers are exempt.
Premises and equipment
Requirements for the design, construction and maintenance of food premises and equipment.
Food safety programs
The national model for HACCP-based food safety programs. In Victoria, program requirements come through the Food Act and your premises class.
Allergen declarations
Mandatory allergen declarations, including Plain English Allergen Labelling (PEAL) rules on how allergens are named on labels.
Recall obligations
Businesses that manufacture, wholesale or import food must be able to recall unsafe food. FSANZ coordinates recalls with state regulators.
Sources: Health Victoria on Standard 3.2.2A, FSANZ, FSANZ Standard 3.2.2.
Who regulates you in Victoria?
Local council
Registers and inspects most food businesses under the Food Act 1984 — restaurants, cafés, caterers, many manufacturers, hospitals and aged care kitchens.
Safe Food Victoria
Since 1 July 2026, licenses and audits dairy, meat, poultry and seafood businesses. It replaced Dairy Food Safety Victoria and PrimeSafe.
Agriculture Victoria
Regulates some primary producers: leafy greens, berries, melons, seed sprouts and eggs. These move to Safe Food Victoria from late 2027.
Know your obligations, then prove them
The free assessment shows which records an inspector or auditor would question.
Regulation guides
Each guide goes live as it’s published.
Food safety law in Victoria: common questions
What class is my food business in Victoria?
Does Standard 3.2.2A apply to food manufacturers?
Who regulates food businesses in Victoria?
Do I need a food safety supervisor?
Do I need a food safety program?
Meet your obligations, every day.
EthicalHub keeps the records your food safety program and Standard 3.2.2A require, ready for your council, auditor or regulator.