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. Falling short of industry standards can lead to serious problems, including food-borne illness outbreaks, legal action and reputational damage.
From a legal perspective, participating in the Food Safety Supervisor course is essential to comply with FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A, a federal regulation governing food preparation, service or distribution businesses.
FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A
FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A establishes the required standards for food safety practices in Australia. The legislation sets out three distinct obligations that food businesses must follow to achieve compliance:
- Food Handler training
- Record management
- Food safety supervision
Regarding food safety supervision, the most significant requirement is the mandatory appointment of a certified Food Safety Supervisor.
FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A stipulates that all Australian businesses that serve food must have at least one certified Food Safety Supervisor on duty at all times. This requirement further emphasises the importance of professional Food Safety Supervisor training, given that the nominated individual must possess a valid certification awarded by an RTO.
Who Should Take the Food Safety Supervisor Course?
The Food Safety Supervisor course applies to any individual involved in preparing, handling or serving food in a professional capacity, including restaurant managers, chefs, food truck operators, cafe supervisors, bartenders and baristas.
The Food Safety Supervisor must assume the following responsibilities:
- Developing and implementing a Food Safety Plan based on HACCP principles.
- Ensuring compliance with food safety laws and regulations.
- Maintaining accurate records of food safety practices.
- Monitoring food safety procedures on a day-to-day basis.
- Taking corrective actions to address food safety issues.
- Training and supervising staff in safe food handling.
In addition, Food Safety Supervisors should be the touchpoint for any internal or external food safety matters, such as answering questions from Food Handlers and cooperating with government agencies concerning food safety inspections and regulation breaches.
What Does the Food Safety Supervisor Course Involve?
The Food Safety Supervisor course covers a range of topics designed to ensure that participants have all the knowledge and skills necessary to implement and oversee food safety procedures throughout their workplace.
Lessons
The Food Safety Supervisor course includes 19 interactive lessons:
- Food Safety Laws & Responsibilities
- Food Contamination & High-Risk Groups
- Biological Contamination
- Other Types of Contamination
- Allergen Management
- Cleaning & Sanitising
- Maintaining Food Premises
- Hand Washing
- Personal Hygiene & Workplace Behaviour
- Illness & Onsite Injuries
- Time & Temperature Control
- Receiving & Storing Food
- Working with Food Safely
- Serving Food Safely
- Food Safety Programs
- Identifying Food Safety Hazards
- Monitoring, Controlling & Correcting Food Safety Hazards
- Reporting, Investigating & Recording Food Safety Breaches
- Food Safety Management
Assessment Activities
A multiple-choice quiz follows each of the lessons listed above. A student’s understanding of these topics is also assessed through two case studies*, a reading activity and an Observer Report.
*In New South Wales, state regulations mandate additional readings and case studies.
What Is a Unit of Competency?
The term “unit of competency” refers to the specific knowledge or skills required to perform certain tasks effectively and safely. The required units of competency will vary depending on the industry in which you operate.
Hospitality
The Food Safety Supervisor course for Hospitality covers two units of competency:
- SITXFSA005 - Use hygienic practices for food safety
- SITXFSA006 - Participate in safe food handling practices
Retail
The Food Safety Supervisor course for Retail covers one unit of competency:
- SIRRFSA001 - Handle food safely in a retail environment
Health & Community
The Food Safety Supervisor course for Health & Community covers three units of competency:
- HLTFSE001 - Follow basic food safety practices
- HLTFSE005 - Apply and monitor food safety requirements
- HLTFSE007 - Oversee the day-to-day implementation of food safety in the workplace
Food Processing
The Food Safety Supervisor course for Food Processing covers two units of competency:
- FBPFSY1002 - Follow work procedures to maintain food safety
- FBPFSY2002 - Apply food safety procedures
Transport & Distribution
The Food Safety Supervisor course for Transport & Distribution covers two units of competency:
- SITXFSA005 - Use hygienic practices for food safety
- SITXFSA006 - Participate in safe food handling practices
It should be noted that the accepted units of competency will differ depending on the state or territory in which you operate. A summary is provided below:
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Hospitality, Retail and Health & Community
- New South Wales (NSW): Hospitality and Retail
- Northern Territory (NT): Hospitality and Retail
- Queensland (QLD): All industries
- South Australia (SA): Hospitality, Retail and Health & Community
- Tasmania (TAS): Hospitality, Retail and Health & Community
- Victoria (VIC): All industries
- Western Australia (WA): Hospitality, Retail and Health & Community
What Is a Statement of Attainment?
After successfully completing all required assessment activities, you will be awarded a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment. This official certification document lists the units of competency achieved, and it should be kept on file for future reference – Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) sometimes request proof of certification during onsite inspections.
How Long Is Food Safety Supervisor Certification Valid For?
Your Statement of Attainment is valid for five years. To maintain your status as a certified Food Safety Supervisor, you must retake the course before your certification expires.
How Long Does the Food Safety Supervisor Course Take?
The Food Safety Supervisor course typically takes 6-8 hours to complete. However, you are given access to the course for 12 months, allowing them to finish the training at their own pace.
Where Does Food Safety Supervisor Training Take Place?
Food Safety First offers an online course that can be completed anywhere in Australia without requiring any classroom-based learning. The only in-person activity you must participate in is the Observer Report, which can be carried out at your workplace.
Why Should I Choose Food Safety First for My Training?
Here are five reasons why Food Safety First is the perfect training provider for you:
1. Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
Food Safety First is a nationally recognised government-approved Food Safety Supervisor training provider.
2. Legal Compliance
Food Safety First training ensures compliance with FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A and relevant state legislation.
3. Affordable Training
Food Safety First offers low-cost training programs with no hidden fees.
4. Online Access
No classroom-based activities are required, and 24/7 access to online course materials means you can complete training at your own pace from the comfort of your own home.
5. Industry-Specific Courses
Food Safety First offers courses incorporating sector-specific content for Hospitality, Retail, Health & Community, Food Processing and Transport & Distribution
Enrol Today!
Hopefully, this has answered all your key questions regarding the Food Safety Supervisor course. All that is left to do now is enrol. Begin your journey to ensure consumer safety and legal compliance today!
Have more questions? Contact us and discover all the benefits of Food Safety Supervisor training.
Important Links
Food Safety Supervisor Course (Level 1 & 2)
Food Safety Supervisor Course (Level 2)
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A