Safe Food Victoria
The Victorian Government has streamlined food safety regulation by establishing a new, independent regulator – Safe Food Victoria.
The Victorian Government’s Economic Growth Statement committed to halving the number of business regulators by 2030 to make it simpler and easier to do business. Food safety regulators have been identified as a priority within this initiative.
Food safety regulation is now delivered by Safe Food Victoria.
This replaces regulation by Dairy Food Safety Victoria, PrimeSafe and the Department of Health (through the Health Regulator). Safe Food Victoria also provides support for the 79 local government authorities who conduct food safety regulation.
Food safety functions performed by Agriculture Victoria will transition from late 2027.
Safe Food Victoria is established under the Safe Food Victoria Act 2026.
The Minister for Agriculture has issued a Statement of Expectations for Safe Food Victoria.
Safe Food Victoria regulatory programs
Safe Food Victoria directly regulates many food businesses. Safe Food Victoria also performs incident response, recalls and council regulatory support under the Food Act 1984.
Facilities licensed under Meat Industry Act 1993 include:
- abattoirs
- knackeries
- processors
- retail outlets (other than supermarkets).
Facilities licensed under the Seafood Safety Act 2003 include:
- seafood producers and harvesters
- wholesalers
- processors
- retailers.
Facilities licensed under the Dairy and Food Innovation Act 2000 include:
- dairy farmers
- milk carriers
- dairy manufacturers
- distributors
- declared foods.
Functions currently performed by Agriculture Victoria will transition to Safe Food Victoria at a later date (likely from late 2027).
Existing arrangements will continue until this occurs.
Reform to the food regulatory system
Victoria’s food regulatory system is undergoing the most significant reform in the last 30 years. The establishment of Safe Food Victoria represents an important milestone in this process.
Reform stages
Stage 1: Establishment of Safe Food Victoria
The first stage of reform involved creating a new, independent regulator – Safe Food Victoria – consolidating PrimeSafe, Dairy Food Safety Victoria and food safety functions from the Health Regulator and Agriculture Victoria. Safe Food Victoria began operation on 1 July 2026. Safe Food Victoria reports to the Minister for Agriculture.
Stage 2: Development of a new framework for food safety in Victoria
The second stage of reform will develop a new, modernised regulatory framework for food safety and further consolidate functions in Safe Food Victoria. During this stage, the optimal role for local government within this system will be considered.
This stage of reform will streamline regulatory processes and reduce red tape, ensuring greater consistency and enhanced collaboration across the supply chain. Safe Food Victoria will uphold the current high food safety standards while introducing simpler, more unified systems. This process is in early stages and will continue through to 2027.
Making it easier to do business in Victoria
Reform to food safety regulation is an important part of the Victorian Government’s vision to stimulate innovation and investment, and reduce the regulatory burden. It will enable government and business to build a strong economy and future.
You can find more information about how the Victorian Government is making it easier to do business in Victoria in the Economic Growth Statement.
Consultation and resources
Thank you to everyone who let us know their views about the future of food safety. All the feedback and views of stakeholders have been considered and informed the development of the reforms.
Learn more about Safe Food Victoria and other planned changes to food safety regulation at Engage Victoria.
A webinar focused on what Safe Food Victoria means for businesses was held on 27 May 2026.
A webinar focused on what Safe Food Victoria means for local government was held on 11 June 2026.