Temporary and mobile food

There have been a series of changes to the Food Act recently which has had significant impacts on the way Council deals with temporary and mobile food premises.  These changes will continue into 2012 with further changes to processes occurring once a State wide registration and notification database is released by the Department of Health.

From 1 July 2011, both community groups and commercial operators of temporary and mobile food premises only need to register with or notify one council that is their 'principal council'. This single approval will cover your Food Act requirements throughout Victoria.   If you need to register your food business refer to the Business Registration section.

This means that any temporary or mobile food business that originates from within Nillumbik Shire Council needs to register with or notify Council in the first instance.  All other Councils in Victoria where you intend to trade will need to be provided with a Statement of Trade instead of requiring temporary food permits for each event.  As a result of the changes, Nillumbik Shire Council also recognises current Food Act registrations, through the Statement of Trade process, from all other Victorian Councils.

In order to try and simplify the process, the Environmental Health Unit  has developed a flow chart which details when a Registration is required, when a Notification is required and when a Statement of Trade is required.  This flow chart also identifies what is required in each situation.

There are a number of different forms that need to be completed depending on the specific activity being conducted by the business or community group.  A description of each situation is outlined below.

Definition of Notification Application forms

Notification of temporary food premises

Temporary food premises are temporary stalls or tents from which food is sold, such as a market or festival. It can also be any structure that is not a fixed to a site.

Complete this form if:

• You are undertaking a Class 4 activity (sausage sizzle, pre-packaged and shelf stable food)
• You are a commercial business
• The event is only occuring once

Notification of mobile food premises

Mobile food premises are vehicles such as vans or carts from which food is sold.

Complete this form if:

• You are undertaking a Class 4 activity (sausage sizzle, pre-packaged and shelf stable food)
• You are a commercial business
• The event is only occuring once

Notification of food vending machines

This form is to notify your principal council about one or more food vending machines where only pre-packaged, low risk food is sold from the machine. This is a Class 4 activity under the Food Act 1984.

Notification by a community group – Mobile food premises

Complete this form if:

• You are a not-for-profit organisation
• You intend on selling food from a van, trailer or cart
• The event is only occurring once.

Notification by a community group – Temporary food premises

Complete this form if:

• You are a not-for-profit organisation
• You intend on selling food from a temporary stall or tent
• The event is only occurring once.

The Environmental Health Unit can be contacted on 9433 3340 or by email at Health.Services@nillumbik.vic.gov.au for further information or enquiries.

External Links

1.         Department of Health Food Safety Unit: http://www.health.vic.gov.au/foodsafety/