Event Compliance for Food Safety

Event compliance for food safety

Element: Food safety

Specific regulation for state/territory: Victorian Food Act 1984 and Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

Approval/Licence required from: City of Port Phillip Health Services Unit

Contact details: Ph: 9209 ….. Fax: 9536 ….

Specific compliance requirements

All temporary food premises must be registered with the local council’s Food Surveillance Unit.
Any temporary food premises needs to be constructed so that it can prevent the contamination of food, particularly by dust, insects and customers.
An impervious floor material will be required where the range of foods indicate that food scraps will detrimentally affect the area.
A tent, marquee or stand will be required that consists of at least three walls and a ceiling. This is to ensure that food handling is carried out under cover.
All benches and tables need to have surfaces that are smooth and able to be cleaned. Where timber is to be used, it must be free of cracks and appropriately sealed.
Hand washing facilities need to be provided. If they are not located in close proximity to the stall, the following temporary facilities are required:

–a sealed water container or drum with a tap; warm water must be supplied to the container from a water heating device such as an urn
–a bucket to collect dirty water
–soap and disposable paper towels.

Adequate utensil washing facilities must also be provided where any unpackaged food is sold. If they are not located nearby, temporary facilities need to be provided (similar to above) or an adequate supply of clean utensils is necessary.
All waste water must be disposed of to the sewer, not stormwater.

Provide impervious garbage receptacles with lids for the temporary storage of wastes. These bins should be placed well clear of any raw or cooked food.

Ensure the site is left clean and tidy after the event.

Risks of non compliance
Risks are:

offences which include indictable and summary, both of which are criminal in nature
summary close of temporary food premise
fines up to $40,000.00
possible civil action for negligence
bad record resulting non approval of future events.

What the event organiser needs to do
The event organiser is responsible for all food operations, including food safety supervision. To do:

complete an application form
complete a specification checklist
submit forms and the registration fee to the council’s Health Services Unit
ensure all participants read the guidelines prior to the event to ensure they have an understanding of safe food handling and preparation practices
submit a food safety template for community food events to the council; must be approved by council prior to registration being granted.

Deadline: Two weeks prior to the event

Address regulatory requirements – Network Activity 1