Food law in Victoria is a layered regulatory environment. Council registers and inspects most food premises under the Food Act 1984 (Vic). PrimeSafe regulates meat, poultry and seafood. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) sets national standards on labelling, additives and nutrition. The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code regulates content and labelling. For Jewish food businesses, kosher certification through Kosher Australia or the Melbourne Kashrut sits over the top — not as law, but as a contractual and reputational requirement that often interacts with the regulatory side.
Where food law usually matters
I advise food businesses at the registration stage (when setting up a new premises or new product), in dealing with Council and PrimeSafe compliance issues, on labelling and ingredient declarations, on supply contracts with retailers and distributors, and on kosher and halal certification arrangements where these affect supply or labelling.
How I handle a food law matter
- 1Initial scoping conversation about the regulatory issues
- 2Targeted compliance advice and any required document drafting
- 3Where required, dealing with Council, PrimeSafe or other regulators
Frequently asked questions
Do you advise on kosher certification?
I do not certify food as kosher — that is a function of Kosher Australia, the Melbourne Kashrut and other recognised certifying bodies. I do advise on the contractual side of kosher certification — supply agreements, labelling arrangements, certification disputes — and how kosher requirements interact with broader Food Act compliance.
What is the difference between Council and PrimeSafe regulation?
Council regulates most food premises (cafes, restaurants, retail food shops, manufacturers) under the Food Act 1984 (Vic). PrimeSafe is a separate Victorian regulator that licenses and inspects meat, poultry, seafood and certain other higher-risk products. Some businesses are subject to both.
Reviewed by Elisa Rothschild BA/LLB — Principal Lawyer, Fogarty Oliver Rothschild. Admitted to legal practice in Victoria. Last reviewed 2026-05-22.
This page is general legal information about food law in Victoria, Australia. It is not legal advice for your specific situation. For advice on your matter, book a free initial consultation.