Food Safety
Food Businesses in Victor Harbor
All food businesses are required to notify Council prior to the commencement of their business by submitting a Food Business Notification Form. Notification is also required when a food business changes ownership or if the name or address of your business changes.
Return your completed Food Business Notification by:
Email – localgov@victor.sa.gov.au
In person – Civic Centre, 1 Bay Road Victor Harbor SA 5211
Post – PO Box 11, Victor Harbor SA 5211
A food business is a business, enterprise or activity (other than a business, enterprise or activity that is primary food production) that involves the handling of food intended for sale or the sale of food, regardless of whether the business, enterprise, or activity concerned is of a commercial, charitable, or community nature or whether it involves handling or sale of food on one occasion only.
Temporary Food Businesses
Temporary food businesses are any activity where food is sold for an occasional event including a sausage sizzle being held by a charity or not for profit organisation on a weekend.
All temporary food businesses are required to notify Council prior to their event by submitting a Temporary Food Business Notification Form.
Event organisers can complete a separate Event Organisers Temporary Food Business Notification Form which details all stall holders and mobile food premises that will be attending their event on one form, rather than each individual food business completing their own notification form.
A guide on the requirements for temporary food businesses can be read here.
Food Safety Standards
All food businesses in South Australia, including home based food businesses, stalls, food vans and temporary businesses must comply with:
The City of Victor Harbor assists food businesses to meet their legislative requirements through routine inspections and providing advice and education about safe food handling practices.
Prior to starting a new food business or renovating an existing business, Council’s Environmental Health Officer can provide advice on the fitting out of your business and discuss your food safety practices to ensure your business meets the Food Safety Standards. Please contact 8551 0500 or localgov@victor.sa.gov.au.
Audited Food Businesses
Food businesses who serve potentially hazardous food to vulnerable persons including aged care facilities, hospitals, child care businesses and delivered meal organisations need to comply with additional requirements to further manage risks. These businesses are required to comply with Food Safety Standard 3.3.1 and implement a food safety program and engage a food safety auditor to audit their business and program on a routine basis. Upon receiving your Food Business Notification, Council will determine if your business requires a food safety program. Further information about food safety programs, food safety audits and businesses who are captured can be read here.
Primary Food Producers
Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) is the regulatory body for primary food producers. Primary food production includes meat, dairy, seafood (bivalve molluscs), egg and egg products, seed sprouts, berries, melons and leafy vegetables and can include farming, production, processing, growing, harvesting and transport. Refer to PIRSA’s website to find out if your business requires accreditation.
Food Safety Management Tools
The new national Food Safety Standard, Standard 3.2.2A – Food Safety Management Tools, came in to force in December 2023. The Standard expands on existing requirements for food service, caterers and retail food businesses and introduces three tools. The tools aim to assist certain food businesses to ensure they’re making safe food.
The three tools include:
- Appoint a certified Food Safety Supervisor who is reasonably available
- Ensure food handlers complete a food handling course or have adequate skills and knowledge
- Show that you are managing key food safety controls.
Category 1 businesses make unpackaged potentially hazardous foods and must implement all three tools. This includes businesses such as restaurants, cafes, takeaways and caterers.
Category 2 businesses don’t make but minimally handle unpackaged ready to eat foods and must implement tools 1 and 2. This includes businesses such as delis, supermarkets and service stations.
More information on standard 3.2.2A and a list of organisations that provide the Food Safety Supervisor course can be read here.
Free Online Food Safety Training
I'm Alert and DoFoodSafely are free online food safety training programs we recommend for food handlers. These programs meet the food handler training requirement of Food Safety Standard 3.2.2A.
These training courses will assist food handlers in developing the required skills and knowledge to ensure food is handled in a safe and hygienic manner.
A training acknowledgement form can be printed upon completion and be kept as a part of your staff records.
If you require further information or clarification on the information on this page, please contact Council’s Environmental Health Officer on 8551 0500 or localgov@victor.sa.gov.au.