News

March 7, 2024
Career progression is the goal for most food industry professionals, and training is essential to advance. With various levels of training available to help individuals make the jump from Food Handler to Food Safety Supervisor, the path to promotion is as smooth as it gets. This blog will discuss the training required to make this transition. But first, let's explore the differences between the two roles. What’s the difference between a Food Handler and a Food…
March 5, 2024
When it comes to food and drink, South Australia (SA) provides a refreshing mix of cuisines for everyone to enjoy. South Australia stands as a culinary haven, boasting everything from the multicultural dining experiences of Adelaide to the seafood splendours of the Eyre Peninsula. According to Statista, South Australia is currently home to more than 2,700 cafes and restaurants, with approximately 1,000 of these located in the state’s largest city, Adelaide. One…
February 16, 2024
New South Wales (NSW) is home to around 40,000 food retail and hospitality businesses, all of which must follow food safety standards imposed by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and the NSW Food Authority. A key requirement of these food safety standards is the mandatory appointment of a certified Food Safety Supervisor. This is where Food Safety Supervisor training becomes critical. Food Safety First provides a government-approved Food Safety Supe…
February 16, 2024
As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), Food Safety First is authorised to deliver Food Safety Supervisor training that meets the regulatory requirements set out by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) in the Food Standards Code. In this blog, we will explore the Food Safety Supervisor course in more detail by answering some frequently asked questions.  Why Is Food Safety Supervisor Training Required? Food safety should never be overlooked. F…
January 29, 2024
Australia is taking a bold step into the future with a new digital food assurance system, a groundbreaking initiative that is set to enhance the country's food safety infrastructure. This move is expected to streamline regulatory processes and bolster the value of Australia's agricultural exports on the global stage. At the heart of this transformation is the Trusted Agrifood Exports Mission, led by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisati…
January 25, 2024
Melbourne, the lively heart of Victoria, has become a culinary hotspot in recent years. The city boasts a thriving food scene with over 3,500 dining establishments serving a variety of cuisines. Although these food businesses are diverse in nature, there is one thing that unites them – their duty of care regarding food safety. All restaurants, cafés, food trucks and catering companies in the city of Melbourne are governed by the stringent food safety standards…
January 24, 2024
The International Fresh Produce Association Australia and New Zealand (IFPA A-NZ) has demonstrated its commitment to improving food safety across the entire supply chain at its second annual Food Safety Summit in Melbourne. The event focused primarily on the global food safety landscape, with an emphasis on recent changes in production and processing standards for key products like berries, melons and leafy vegetables. Delegates were also given further clarity…
January 22, 2024
There are currently more than 34,000 restaurant businesses located throughout Australia, and each one relies on a restaurant manager to oversee day-to-day operations. This includes the implementation of effective food safety protocols designed to protect public health and preserve business reputation. Are you one of the thousands of restaurant managers employed within the Australian hospitality industry? Read on to discover how you can enhance food safety in yo…
January 21, 2024
In an unprecedented move, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), the Australian food safety regulator, has declared cell-cultured quail meat safe for consumption. This groundbreaking assessment marks Australia's first foray into the evaluation of lab-grown meats, setting a significant precedent for the future of food technology. Sydney-based company Vow has been at the forefront of this innovation. Their application for cell-cultured quail meat has succe…
January 20, 2024
Are you a part of the bustling world of food retail in Australia? If so, you know that when it comes to food safety, there's no room for compromise. Fortunately, Food Safety First (FSF) is here to guide you through the Food Safety Supervisor course for Retail, ensuring you have all the knowledge and skills needed to maintain the highest standards of food safety.  This blog will walk you through the intricacies of Food Safety Supervisor training, explain why it'…
January 19, 2024
Safety concerns have been raised by workers at a factory in Adelaide, with the United Workers Union (UWU) alleging several serious health issues have arisen among the workforce following exposure to a spicy seasoning used on a popular snack product. Spicy Seasoning Sparks Health Fears According to the union, employees working with the seasoning used for Flamin’ Hot Doritos corn chips have reported various health issues. These problems range from respiratory di…
January 18, 2024
Brisbane, the vibrant capital of Queensland, boasts a thriving culinary scene with more than 6,000 food establishments catering to diverse tastes. Despite their diversity, they all have one thing in common – they must meet the stringent food safety standards established by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), Queensland Health and local councils. Whether you run a restaurant, cafe, food truck, or are involved in any aspect of food preparation in Brisba…
January 17, 2024
An urgent recall has been announced in response to the possible contamination of bagged ice produced by Frozen Options Pty Ltd. It is feared that the company’s popular North Aussie Jumbo Ice product may have become contaminated with hazardous materials such as glass and metal. The recall is focusing on 5kg bags purchased in Western Australia, an area where the product has already been widely distributed. Contamination Discovery The issue was first brought to…
January 17, 2024
The Australian hospitality sector employs more than 121,700 serving staff, emphasising their potential influence on food safety. These frontline staff play a significant role as the last line of defence, making them worthy candidates for the position of Food Safety Supervisor. The appointment of a designated Food Safety Supervisor is a legal requirement outlined by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Standard 3.2.2A. This recently introduced food safet…
January 14, 2024
An annual report produced by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has revealed some of Australia’s most impactful food safety accomplishments from the last 12 months, as well as some ongoing concerns. Read on to discover key report findings that illustrate Australia's evolving food safety dynamics, including strategies for managing the risks associated with contamination and food-borne illnesses. Rise in Food Recalls Last year, Australia witnessed a s…