As the largest city in the Northern Territory, Darwin acts as a beacon for local residents in search of diverse dining options, and it doesn’t disappoint.
In recent years, the City of Darwin has placed immense focus on the area’s Night Time Economy (NTE) by promoting local cafes, bars and restaurants through council-led initiatives. It appears to be working too – annual data shows that employment in the sector grew by 12% in 2022 as new food establishments began to open in the city.
With the industry moving at such a rapid pace, some food businesses may fall into the trap of neglecting food safety standards. Establishments in the city of Darwin must do their utmost to adhere to food safety laws, something that involves the implementation of Food Safety Supervisor training.
Food Safety First delivers a nationally recognised Food Safety Supervisor course that helps food businesses adhere to government regulations. In this blog, we will discuss the significance of food safety legislation and the role that Food Safety Supervisors play in achieving compliance.
Food Safety Legislation
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) governs federal food safety laws in Australia, with overarching legislation cascading down into state and territory regulations. This multi-level approach means that the law can vary slightly depending on where in the country businesses are located. Let’s explore this concept in more detail by answering some common questions.
1. Does Each State and Territory in Australia Have Its Own Legislation Which Governs Food Safety?
Yes, although the FSANZ Food Standards Code (including Standard 3.2.2A) is set at a federal level, each state or territory is responsible for enforcing these regulations through their own legislation.
2. What Is the Food Safety Legislation in the Northern Territory?
Food safety in the Northern Territory is governed by the Food Act 2004 (NT) and enforced by NT Health. This legislation is designed to ensure that all food sold in the territory is fit for human consumption in accordance with the standards stipulated by the FSANZ Food Standards Code.
3. Are There Different Rules for Different Businesses in the Northern Territory?
Food businesses in the Northern Territory are categorised based on their perceived risk. The Northern Territory Government employs four classification levels:
- Priority 1 (P1) – Highest risk level
- Priority 2 (P2)
- Priority 3 (P3)
- Priority 4 (P4) – lowest risk level
The following factors are taken into account when classifying a food business:
- Food type and intended customer use
- Activity of the business
- Method of processing
- Customer base
It’s worth noting that the Northern Territory’s classification systems differ to the one used alongside FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A which only features two food business categories (Category 1 and Category 2).
Business owners should be aware of their business classification both at a federal and state/territory level.
4. Who Enforces the Food Safety Act in Darwin?
NT Heath has a Public Health Unit stationed in Darwin. This unit is staffed by Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) who are responsible for ensuring that food businesses in the city comply with the Food Act 2004 (NT).
Darwin-based EHOs manage the food business registration process and conduct inspections throughout the city, issue infringement notices and fines where necessary.
The implementation of food safety regulations differs throughout Australia. If your food business operates in multiple regions, make sure you read Food Safety First's city-specific guides for each area.
5. Is It a Legal Requirement to Employ a Food Safety Supervisor in Darwin?
Yes, food businesses in Darwin are legally required to appoint at least one designated Food Safety Supervisor in accordance with FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A. This person can be a business owner, manager or employee.
6. What Are the Penalties for Food Safety Violations in Darwin?
Food businesses in Darwin that fail to comply with food safety legislation face potential fines, licence suspension and temporary closure depending on the seriousness of the offence..
Food Safety Supervisor Requirements in Darwin
Now that you have a better understanding of the legislation regarding food safety, we can take a closer look at the role of the Food Safety Supervisor and where that fits into the equation.
What Does a Food Safety Supervisor Do?
The Food Safety Supervisor is the focal point for food safety within their workplace. Here are some of their key responsibilities:
- Implementing and monitoring food safety procedures
- Taking corrective actions to address food safety incidents
- Maintaining accurate records of food safety practices
- Training and supervising Food Handlers
- Establishing a Food Safety Plan based on HACCP principles.
- Ensuring compliance with food safety legislation
Do I Need Food Safety Supervisor Training in Darwin?
If you have been selected as a designated Food Safety Supervisor for a workplace located in Darwin, you must obtain certification from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). This requires you to complete a government approved Food Safety Supervisor course.
What Is the Food Safety Supervisor Course?
The Food Safety Supervisor course in Darwin provides food service personnel with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct safe food preparation and handling practices. Serving as an essential component of mandated food safety standards, this course ensures that Darwin's food businesses are well-equipped for consistent compliance with Standard 3.2.2A.
What Topics Does the Food Safety Supervisor Course Cover?
The Food Safety Supervisor course is an extensive program encompassing various essential aspects of food safety. Here are some of the key topics covered:
- Cleaning and sanitising: methods used to prevent cross-contamination.
- Food allergens: risks associated with food allergens and the strategies you can implement to manage them effectively.
- Food contamination: food-borne pathogens, high-risk foods, and the dangers of chemical and physical contamination.
- Food handling and storage: best practices for the safe handling and storage of food, from delivery to service.
- Food safety legislation: laws and regulations that govern food safety in the Northern Territory.
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP): hazard management techniques that can be applied to your business.
- Managing food safety risks: effective strategies for identifying and mitigating potential food safety risks in your business.
- Personal hygiene: importance of hand washing and maintaining impeccable Food Handler hygiene.
- Record keeping: significance of maintaining accurate records to demonstrate compliance.
- Time and temperature control: implications of the Temperature Danger Zone (TDZ) in terms of food safety.
What Role Does HACCP Play in the Food Safety Supervisor Course?
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is a structured system for identifying, evaluating, and controlling food safety hazards. FSF Food Safety Supervisor training teaches you how to adopt HACCP principles as part of your plan to reduce this risk of food-borne illnesses and improve overall safety within your establishment.
Below are the six fundamental elements of HACCP that are discussed in detail during the Food Safety Supervisor course:
1. Hazard Analysis
Identifying potential hazards associated with food and the processes used in its preparation.
2. Critical Control Points (CCPs)
Identifying the points in the process where control measures are necessary to prevent, eliminate or reduce hazards to an acceptable level.
3. Critical Limits
Setting specific criteria to distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable conditions at each CCP.
4. Monitoring Procedures:
Implementing procedures to observe and record control at each CCP.
5. Corrective Action:
Defining actions to be taken when monitoring indicates a deviation from an established critical limit.
6. Verification Procedures:
Confirming that the HACCP system is working effectively.
Where Do I Have to Go to Do Safety Supervisor Course in Darwin?
The Food Safety Supervisor course can be completed online from anywhere in Australia. After you have enrolled with Food Safety First, you will be granted 24/7 access to all course content, including lessons, learning resources, quizzes and other assessment activities.
There is no in-person learning required and the only part of the course that can’t be completed online is the Observer Report which requires you to conduct practical tasks such as hand washing in front of a colleague.
When Will My Food Safety Supervisor Certification Expire?
The Statement of Attainment you receive for completing the Food Safety Supervisor course is valid for five years. To retain your Food Safety Supervisor status you must retake the course before your current certification expires.
What Units of Competency Does the Food Safety Supervisor Course Cover?
Food Safety First provides training that is aligned to specific industries. To become a certified Food Safety Supervisor in Darwin and the rest of the Northern Territory, you must obtain the units of competency associated with one of the following business sectors.
- SIRRFSA001 - Handle food safely in a retail environment
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SITXFSA005 - Use hygienic practices for food safety
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SITXFSA006 - Participate in safe food handling practices
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HLTFSE001 - Follow basic food safety practices
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HLTFSE005 - Apply and monitor food safety requirements
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HLTFSE007 - Oversee the day-to-day implementation of food safety in the workplace
These are the only units of competency recognised by NT Health. If your business doesn’t fall into any of the above categories, choose the business sector that is most relevant to your organisation.
Make Food Safety First Your Trusted Training Partner
Food Safety First is on hand to help you comply with food safety legislation in Darwin. After enrolling into the Food Safety Supervisor course, you will benefit from affordable online training delivered by a Registered Training Organisation that has been approved by the Australian government.
Want to know more about Food Safety First’s professional training programs? Get in touch today and let us know how we can be of service.
Important Links
Food Safety Supervisor Course (Level 1 & 2)
Food Safety Supervisor Course (Level 2)