Introducing Safe Food Victoria
From the Environmental Health Team – Melton City Council
Victoria's food safety regulatory system is changing, with the establishment of Safe Food Victoria, a new state-wide food safety regulator. The new authority has been created to streamline food safety regulation across Victoria and provide a more consistent approach for food businesses operating throughout the state.
What is Safe Food Victoria?
Safe Food Victoria officially commenced operations on 1 July 2026 as Victoria's independent food safety regulator. The organisation brings together a number of existing food safety regulatory functions into a single authority with responsibility for overseeing food safety across the food supply chain.
The Victorian Government established Safe Food Victoria to simplify the regulatory environment, improve consistency, and strengthen food safety oversight while maintaining the expertise and services previously provided by existing regulators.
What Does This Mean for Local Food Businesses?
For most food businesses operating within Melton City Council, your day-to-day interactions with Council's Environmental Health Team will continue.
Melton City Council remains responsible for important public health functions under the Food Act, including:
Registration of local food premises
Routine food safety inspections
Investigation of food complaints
Food safety education and advice
Compliance and enforcement activities where required
Local councils continue to retain their co-regulatory role in Victoria's food safety system.
Will Existing Registrations and Approvals Change?
Businesses should experience minimal disruption during the transition.
Existing licences, registrations and compliance arrangements remain valid, and food businesses are expected to continue meeting all current food safety requirements.
Food proprietors should continue to:
Maintain food safety programs where required
Ensure food handlers are appropriately trained
Comply with food safety standards
Notify Council of any significant changes to their business
Renew registrations as required
Why These Changes Are Being Made
Historically, food safety regulation in Victoria involved multiple agencies and regulatory bodies. The introduction of Safe Food Victoria aims to create a more streamlined and coordinated system, making it easier for businesses to navigate regulatory requirements while maintaining strong food safety protections for Victorian consumers.
The new regulator is expected to provide greater consistency across Victoria and support a modern, effective food safety system that continues to protect public health.
For more information about Safe Food Victoria and the transition to the new regulatory framework, please follow the link to Safe Food Victoria's webpage: Safe Food Victoria | safefood.vic.gov.au
We're Here to Help
Melton City Council's Environmental Health Team remains committed to supporting local food businesses through these changes. We encourage proprietors to stay informed and continue working closely with Council to ensure compliance with food safety requirements.
If you have any questions regarding your food business registration, inspections, or food safety obligations, please contact Melton City Council's Environmental Health Team on 9747 7200.