Food safety is a critical aspect of public health and wellbeing. Worldwide, an estimated 600 million people fall ill each year after consuming contaminated food. An estimated 420,000 of those die. In Australia, approximately 4.7 million cases of foodborne illness cost the community $2.4 billion a year.

This section summarises our key findings for regulating food safety. Sections 2, 3 and 4 detail our complete findings, including supporting evidence.

The agencies we examined were the Department of Health (DH), City of Casey (Casey), City of Greater Geelong (Geelong), Hepburn Shire Council (Hepburn), City of Kingston (Kingston) and Manningham City Council (Manningham).

When reaching our conclusions, we consulted with the audited agencies and considered their views. The agencies’ full responses are in Appendix A.

We made 10 recommendations to address 3 issues. The relevant agencies have accepted or partially accepted these recommendations.

Download a PDF copy of Appendix: Abbreviations, acronyms and glossary.

We deliver a range of attest services to public sector agencies. We conduct financial audits in line with the Australian Auditing Standards and other relevant professional and legislative requirements.

Our financial audit scope

We plan to deliver 22 performance engagements in 2023–24 across our 7 performance audit sectors. 

The Auditor-General gives independent assurance to Parliament and the community about the Victorian public sector's financial integrity and performance. VAGO assists with this.

What we do

Download a PDF copy of Appendix D: 1800 My Options calls (March 2018 to January 2023) and registered service providers.