Request pre-purchase inspection of a food business premises

If you plan to buy an existing food business premises, or start a new food business, you can request that Council conduct a pre-purchase inspection of the premises.

Our Environmental Health Officers will inspect the food businesses to to ensure the suitability of the premises for registration, and compliance with the Food Act 1984. This will also provide an opportunity to ask an authorised officer about what meets compliance with the Food Standards Code.

How to request an inspection 

Apply online

Step 1.Have your details ready

You will need to provide your details, and the details of the food business premises.

Step 2.Complete the online form

Request inspection of a food business premises

Step 3.Pay the application fee

Pre-purchase inspection fees:

  • $300.00 for standard process time (10 working days)
  • $511.00 for express process time (five working days)

Once you have submitted the online form, our Environmental Health team will email you an invoice, which will include instructions for payment.

The pre-purchase inspection service includes one follow-up inspection if requested. Any follow-up inspections beyond this will incur an additional fee of $217.00 per inspection.

Step 4.Wait for the report

We will organise the inspection and send you (or your solicitor) a copy of the Food Act inspection report.

Step 5.Speak with a lawyer

You should talk to your solicitor and agree who will be responsible for lodging the application for registration form just before you take over the business.

Step 6.Apply for a new Food Act registration

Once you've completed the inspection process and are going ahead with the sale of the food business, you must register as the new business owner under the Food Act 2008. Learn how to register a Food Act business.

Fees

View a schedule of current fees and charges(PDF, 131KB) (including pre-purchase inspection).