Whether you're starting a new food business, or purchasing an existing food business, you'll need to make sure your business is registered. If you aren't already aware of the requirements for a food business, make sure you visit our Food business page before beginning your application.
Once you're ready to apply, here are the steps you'll need to follow:
There are quite a few different types of Food Premises, and a lot of things to know before applying to register one. More information about general requirements can be found on our Food Businesses page. You can also obtain a Best Bites Food Guide application kit, which has information on setting up a new food premises. For more information, please see our Best Bites page.
For a list of some other places, you may want to check before registering, see the “Getting all of the Information” tab at the bottom of the page.
Make sure you’ve got everything you need before applying. This includes any other permits you might require. You’ll also want to make sure your premises is ready for a registration inspection and meets all the requirements. See the "Required Information and Documents Checklist" tab below for further information.
Your application can be lodged online via the below link:
Application for New Food Business Registration
The form will prompt you to attach the required information to assist with the assessment of your application.
Once your application is received, a member of the Environmental Health team will review it to confirm the appropriate classification and fee have been applied. An officer will then contact you to arrange an inspection of the premises.
Once approved, you will be issued a Food Act Certificate of Registration. Your premises will be registered until 31 March each year. Registrations must be renewed annually. A renewal invitation will be sent toward the end of the year, outlining the steps to renew your business registration.
Under the Food Act, for a food business to change ownership, the existing registration must be closed. An application for a new registration must then be made by the new owner/s.
A proprietor wishing to cancel their registration can do so using the Notification of Closure of a Food Business form.
The below steps provide a guide for a new owner to register a purchased food business.
There are quite a few different types of Food Premises, and a lot of things to know before applying to register one. More information about general requirements can be found on our Food business requirements.
For a list of some other places, you may want to check before taking over a registered business, see the “Getting All of the Information” tab at the bottom of the page.
You may wish to arrange an inspection of the premises prior to the settlement of the business purchase. A Pre-Purchase inspection will provide general information about the fit out and fixtures within the food premises and whether the premises complies with the Food Standards Code Australia and New Zealand, Chapter 3.2.3 food premises and equipment. Please note, an application for a Pre-Purchase Inspection must be signed by both the vendor and the purchaser.
Apply Online for a Pre-Purchase Inspection
Alternatively, you can download the application for a pre-purchase inspection(PDF, 146KB) for a food business. Fill the form out and post or email it to the Shire and make payment over the phone. Alternatively, you can lodge the application and pay at any one of the Shire offices. Please see our contact us for email, postal and phone details and office locations.
Make sure you’ve got everything you need before applying. This includes any other permits you might require. See the "Required Information and Documents Checklist" tab below to check that you've got everything you need to provide.
Complete and submit your application online via the below link:
Application for Food Business Registration
Once your application has been received, an Environmental Health team member will contact you via email regarding the applicable class and fee, including an invoice for payment to progress your application. This will include a review of any plans/specifications and an inspection of the premises.
Once approved, you will receive a Food Act Certificate of Registration. Your premises will then be registered until 31 March annually. Registrations are required to be renewed each year. An invitation to renew your business registration will be sent towards the end of the year explaining how to renew your business.
Further information can be obtained from:
When you're ready to apply online, please make sure you have the following information and documents ready:
The registration fee is different for the different classes. Pro rata fees apply to new applications lodged between 1 October and 31 December each year. Download a copy of the Environmental-Health-Fee-Schedule-Effective-1-July-2025.pdf(PDF, 234KB) or contact the Environmental Health Team via phone on 5950 1373.
Business are classified into one of five risk classes. For more information on determining class types, you may refer to the Department of Health food business classification. Alternatively, please visit our Food Businesses page. If you need further assistance in determining the appropriate class for your business, please contact the Environmental Health team on 5950 1373.
If your business is determined as Class 1 or 2, you must have a qualified Food Safety Supervisor. Further details regarding this can be found on our Food Businesses page.
The purchaser is responsible for paying the fee and lodging the application. The purchaser will need to arrange for the vendor to sign the pre-purchase inspection form.
There will be some additional information you'll need to supply (see the "required information and documents checklist" below). You may also need to apply for an itinerant traders permit. More information regarding this can be found on our Food Vans and Itinerant Traders.
For more information visit the Food Businesses page. You can also contact the Environmental Health Team online or call 5950 1373.