On 1 July 2021, changes to the Food Act 1984 came into effect. These changes introduced new legislative requirements for when a registered Food Act business changes ownership.
Food Act registrations can no longer be transferred between owners. For ownership of a food business to change the current proprietor must notify Council of a date to cancel their Food Act registration and the new proprietor must complete a new registration with Council.
Before you buy an existing food business, we strongly recommend you get an up-to-date Food Act pre-purchase inspection so you know exactly what you are buying.
Before you buy an existing food business, we strongly recommend you get an up-to-date Food Act pre-purchase inspection so you know exactly what you are buying.
Complete the following steps to request a pre-purchase inspection.
Note: We cannot release any information to you without the current owner's consent.
Once you've completed the inspection process and are going ahead with the sale of the food business, you must complete the application to register, which will be emailed to the requester of the application.
You should then:
Please note: Council registers Food Act businesses for the calendar year that the business commenced operation. Fees will vary depending on the date the business opens.
A full fee is charged in the first six months of the year from January to June. A pro-rata fee is charged during the three months from July to September. In the three months from October to December, a full fee is charged that will register the business till 31 December of the next year (a maximum of 15 months).
New Registration - Class 1 Food Business
New Registration - Class 2 Food Business
New Registration - Class 3 Food Business
Complete the following steps to request a pre-inspection.
Note: We cannot release any information to you without the current owner's consent.
Once you've completed the inspection items from the report, you must complete and sign a business registration transfer form.
You should then:
Get the latest business news sent straight to your inbox including announcements, initiatives, training, funding, events and networking opportunities