The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is authorised to oversee the Food Act 1984 (Victoria) – the standards currently in place to help make sure that all food sold in Victoria is safe, suitable and complies with all of the national Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Food Standard Codes requirements.
All Victoria food businesses must also adhere to FSANZ Food Standards Code and Food Safety Practices and General Requirements Standard 3.2.2. If they fall under the FSANZ’s definition of ‘primary food production‘ though, they are advised to visit the website for more information on their obligations.
The Food Safety Practices and General Requirements Standard 3.2.2 is outlined below:
‘Food Safety Practices and General Requirements set out specific food handling controls related to the receipt, storage, processing, display, packaging, transportation, disposal and recall of food. Other requirements relate to the skills and knowledge of food handlers and their supervisors, the health and hygiene of food handlers, and the cleaning, sanitising and maintenance of the food premises and equipment within the premises.’
However, the actual day-to-day food safety requirements of Victorian food businesses must comply with and are regulated by the 79 local councils across the state. According to the DHHS, this usually involves:
- food business registration
- monitoring compliance
- providing education and advice
- taking enforcement action when necessary
