Frequently asked questions

• Who do I contact for food being imported from another country?
• My fridge/freezer hasn't been working for 24-48 hours, what should I do?
• Is meat that has been frozen for 8 months okay to eat?
• Are Bug Zappers illegal?
• What is the law on Doggy Bags?
• Where can I get information on donating food?
• Who do I contact to make a food or food premises complaint?
• How do I contact my Local Government?
• What do I need to do to start up a food business?
• What is the law on wearing disposable gloves when handling food?
• Do I have to have a food handling certificate or formal training to handle food?
• Can I take specific foods interstate with me for personal use (e.g., frozen prawns or fruit?)
• Can dogs (or other animals) be taken to food premises?
• Do I need a Food Safety Supervisor?

Who do I contact for food being imported from another country?

For information on importing food from another country, visit the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service website, or phone: 1800 020 504

My fridge/freezer hasn't been working for 24-48 hours, what should I do?

The factsheet "Food safety and power failures" explains what to do in this situation. See Keeping food safe.

Is meat that has been frozen for 8 months okay to eat?

It should be okay to eat - but the quality might not be very good.

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Are Bug Zappers illegal?

Bug Zappers are not illegal, but should not be installed in food preparation areas or places where there is exposed food. Spray is okay as long as it is not directed onto food or food surfaces.

What is the law on Doggy Bags?

There are no laws that prevent restaurants and cafes from giving customers doggy bags however, food businesses can minimise risks by:

• Having a procedure in their Food Safety Program for dealing with doggy bags.
• Having a leaflet or messages on menus explaining the risks of doggy bags to consumers; and
• Seeking advice from insurers.

For more information, and to download a fact sheet, see Donating Food.

Where can I get information on donating food?

Access to a regular food supply is one of our most basic human needs, and many charities have dedicated themselves to meeting this requirement for many years.

Food businesses, too, have generously supported the efforts of these charities, but others may have worried about whether they can give away food legally and what their responsibilities might be under the Food Act.

To download a fact sheet see Donating Food.

Who do I contact to make a food or food premises complaint?

Contact the local council responsible for the area in which the food outlet is located. Ask to speak with an Environmental Health Officer. They have the power to investigate food complaints and take action against those responsible for causing the problem. Your notification may also enable others in the community to be protected from the same problem.

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How do I contact my Local Government?

Follow this link to find your local council.

What do I need to do to start up a food business?

The brochure "So, you want to run a food business? - A guide for Victorians" provides details on what you need to know to run a food business. To download, see Starting a food business.

What is the law on wearing disposable gloves when handling food?

It is not a requirement to wear gloves whilst handling food. However, gloves may be worn to protect food. It is important to ensure gloves are changed as soon as they get dirty or on a regular basis.

If gloves are not worn utensils should be used and hands must be kept clean, wounds must be covered and jewellery and false nails should not be worn.

Do I have to have a food handling certificate or formal training to handle food?

Food handlers do not have to attend formal food safety training courses to meet the skills and knowledge requirements. There are many approaches to training that a food business can adopt such as on-the job training, recognising prior experience or attending a training course may all be appropriate.

Formal training is required to meet the requirements for a Food Safety Supervisor. For more information and to download a fact sheet, see Food handler & supervisor requirements.

Can I take specific foods interstate with me for personal use (e.g., frozen prawns or fruit?)

Check with the Department of Primary Industry and your airline re: fruit fly issues, etc. With respect to food safety - as long as you have the relevant equipment to store the food appropriately, being on a plane should not increase the risk of contamination - e.g., frozen (ie, hard throughout) and protected (sealed/covered).

Can dogs (or other animals) be taken to food premises?