Register a food business
Under the Food Act 2001 most ACT food businesses must be registered with the Health Protection Service before opening.
Read about starting a food business and registration requirements.
There are 2 registration processes:
- Food business registration
- Declared event registration.
A food registration is for all permanent food businesses including non-profit community organisations selling food for service, for example school canteens.
A declared event registration is for all food businesses who aren’t already registered and want to operate at a declared event. The current declared events in the ACT are:
- The National Folk Festival
- Enlighten
- The National Multicultural Festival.
The Health Protection Service
The Health Protection Service is responsible for food safety in the ACT. They:
- promote food safety
- regulate food businesses
- develop food regulations and policies
- provide advice and information for food businesses and the community.
Read about starting a food business and registration requirements.
You should read this information before beginning the registration process.
Register your food business
If you’re registering a food business, use the Food business new registration form.
You can register your food business for one, 2 or 3 years.
If you’re registering for a declared event, use the Declared event food business registration form.
Changes to your food business
The proprietor must advise the Health Protection Service within 7 days of any change in business registration or operation details. Examples of changes include:
- ownership
- trading name
- contact details
- refurbishment or change of location
- change in risk classification, such as changing from selling low risk foods to selling high risk foods.
Email hps@act.gov.au at the earliest stages of planning and design to discuss fit-out requirements.