A food safety program is a written document that shows how a business is managing the safety of the food prepared, served, manufactured or sold.
All Victorian food businesses (Class 1 and 2) are required to have a food safety program before food business registration can be granted. You will need to submit your food safety program to the City of Melbourne.
Find out more about food classifications.
Some industry associations or large food chains may have developed their own specific food safety programs. If you belong to an industry association or you are a franchisee, ask your association or franchisor whether they have an approved food safety template.
Visit Department of Health - Food Safety for more information on the appropriate food safety program template for your business.
Find out all you need to know about opening a hospitality business with the City of Melbourne's Hospitality toolkit.
Independent food safety program
In some cases, the nature of the food processes involved will require that businesses develop their own, customised food safety program (for example, food factories).
Although the components in the document will be the same as the generic food safety program, the level of detail in customised programs will be much greater. If your business includes unique steps, you may need to have an individual food safety program prepared for you.
If you choose to use an independent food safety program you must undergo a third party audit, at a cost to your business. For more information on third party audits please visit
Food Safety Victoria.
Implementing your food safety program
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are delivering safe food to your customers. It is important your food safety processes are implemented in your day-to-day work. All staff must be aware of their roles and responsibilities in terms of food hygiene and completing record sheets.
For more information regarding food safety please visit
Food safety education.
Council inspections
Whether you have an independent or standard food safety program, you will still be subject to a council inspection.
Food safety supervisors
Each Class 1 and 2 business needs to nominate a food safety supervisor when it submits its food safety program. This person will be responsible for the implementation of the food safety program.
These businesses are required to provide council with the name and qualifications of the food safety supervisor. All City of Melbourne Class 1 and 2 food businesses must submit to council:
- a copy of their food safety supervisor's qualifications
- a signed statement by the proprietor stating that the nominated food safety supervisor has the ability and the authority to supervise food handlers.
It is the responsibility of the food business to notify council in writing within 14 days of any changes to the food safety program or supervisor.
Further information
Food Safety Supervisors (PDF, 38kb)
Food Safety Supervisors (Text only, 42kb)
For a list of training providers visit the
National Training Information Service.