Department of Health

Food safety

Want to know more about...

In Victoria, the Food Act 1984 (the Act) provides the regulatory framework for the food industry, ensuring that food sold in Victoria is safe, suitable and correctly labelled.

The department shares responsibility for developing and administering food regulation with the Commonwealth Government, Victorian Local Councils, PrimeSafe and Dairy Food Safety Victoria, collaborating to promote consistent regulatory requirements in a widely dispersed and varied food industry.

Latest FSANZ food recalls and media releases

View the latest food recallsExternal Link and media releasesExternal Link from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).

Learn more about the Food Standards Code at the FSANZ websiteExternal Link

Image of a man holding a food plate

Starting a food business

In Victoria, all organisations selling food or drink must be registered or notified with their local council and ensure that the food they sell is safe and suitable to eat.

Find out more

Information for community groups fundraising with food

Information for community/not-for-profit groups or individuals planning to sell food to fundraise for charity.

Food businesses

Information and resources for Victorian food businesses

Food safety information for consumers

How to make a complaint about a food business, food safety during power outages and donating food.

Food regulation in Victoria

Explore the regulatory and legislative mechanisms in place to ensure food safety in Victoria.

Food safety library

Food safety publications, guides, and resources.

Food allergens

Information and resources on food allergens for food businesses.

Multimedia

    • Transcript

      It is important to clean and sanitise food utensils and surfaces. Equipment and surfaces may look clean – but unless they are cleaned and sanitised, dirty equipment and surfaces can transfer bacteria or other organisms onto food; causing illness in the customer, and may result in legal action against the business owner.

      Everything must be cleaned and sanitised between use, especially between preparing raw food and ready-to-eat-food. Cleaning and sanitising are different things – cleaning refers to the removing of dirt, grease and food waste. Cleaning removes microorganisms but does not destroy them. Sanitising reduces microorganisms to a safe level. Sanitisers will not work if the surface is not clean. You must clean first.

      For cleaning dishes, utensils, pots and pans by hand: pre-clean by scraping and rinsing, wash in hot water and detergent, rinse, sanitise, then air dry if possible. If things cannot be left to air dry, ensure they are dried with a clean cloth.

      If using a dishwasher, pre-clean by scraping and rinsing, stack so all surfaces are exposed, cutlery placed handles down, then run the dishwasher on its longest, hottest cycle.

      Wash and dry your hands before unpacking. Re-wash the dishes if they are still dirty or greasy, and make sure the dishes are dry before storing. The dishwasher should also be cleaned and serviced regularly.

      Food surfaces and equipment must be cleaned and sanitised often during use – clean as you go, and always use a clean cloth. Special attention needs to be given to equipment with surfaces that are harder to get to, such as meat slicers, stick blender, blenders and can openers.

      Scrape and rinse parts and then wash in hot water and detergent, sanitise, then ensure everything is dry before putting away or reusing.

      Remember, sanitising only works if the surface has been cleaned first. There are different ways to sanitise. Using hot water, chemicals, or using a dishwasher on the longest, hottest cycle, or a chemical solution like bleach or a food grade sanitiser.

      Always use the correct amount, and make sure you follow the instructions on how to prepare the solution as this may vary between products, as well as using the hot or cold water. All mixed solutions should be discarded after 24 hours. Label and store away from food.

      Vinegar and lemon juice aren’t effective sanitisers, while methylated spirits leave chemical residues, and floor and surface cleaners are not suitable for food utensils and surfaces.

      Cleaning and using the right sanitisers is a critical part of keeping your food safe.

      For more information on these processes, refer to your food safety program, head to the websiteExternal Link or DoFoodSafelyExternal Link .

    Now available in ArabicExternal Link , FarsiExternal Link , HindiExternal Link , NepaliExternal Link , PunjabiExternal Link , SinhaleseExternal Link , Simplified ChineseExternal Link , SpanishExternal Link , TagalogExternal Link and VietnameseExternal Link .

    Reviewed 26 June 2023

    Health.vic

    In this topic

    Better Health Channel

    More information

    Subscribe

    Contact details

    Food Safety Unit

    Phone 1300 364 352
    foodsafety@health.vic.gov.au
    Was this page helpful?