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Vending machines

Food vending machines are machines from which there is an automated sale of food without any attention or intervention by the seller at the time of sale. Usually, money is paid into the machine. Vending machines are required to be registered or notified under the Victorian Food Act 1984 (Food Act). They may be classified as class 2, 3 or 4 and different regulatory requirements apply to each class.

If your vending machines are classified class 2 or class 3 you must follow the food safety requirements for that classification.

Class 2 vending machines are those which sell unpackaged, potentially hazardous foods, such as fresh orange juice, which require specific measures to keep the food safe, such as temperature control. Given the higher food safety risks involved, class 2 vending machine operators must (via FoodTrader):

  • register annually with the local council where their business or head office is located
  • have a food safety program
  • have a food safety supervisor
  • lodge Statements of Trade.

Class 3 vending machines are those involving the sale of foods not commonly associated with food poisoning, such as pre-packaged sandwiches or pre-packaged pies. In line with the lower food safety risks involved, class 3 vending machine operators must (via FoodTrader):

  • register annually with the local council where their business or head office is located
  • lodge Statements of Trade
  • keep required minimum records about their suppliers.

Class 4 vending machines are those which involve the sale of low-risk foods such as packaged chocolate, lollies, chips, or cans or bottles of soft drink. Given the low food safety risks involved with these foods, class 4 vending machine operators must only (via FoodTrader):

  • notify the local council where their business or head office is located
  • list how many machines they operate.

A notification to council of class 4 vending machines is valid across the state of Victoria and is not subject to any fees or renewal processes.

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