The Tasmanian capital of Hobart is a dynamic city with a renowned food and wine scene. Freshly caught seafood and locally sourced produce brings a unique authenticity to people’s plates all year round.
This notoriety provides a significant boost to the local economy. In fact, recent census data indicates that the café and restaurant industry is Hobart’s fourth-largest employer. Nearly 3% of Hobart residents work in the sector, surpassing the national average of 2.2%.
While the city’s food establishments have a big say in the local economy, they also have an important role to play in the health and wellbeing of local consumers by upholding strict food safety standards.
If you operate a café, restaurant, or other food service business in Hobart you must adhere to food safety legislation imposed by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), and the Tasmanian Department of Health. This includes appointing a certified Food Safety Supervisor who has undergone professional training.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the importance of government approved training and reveal everything you need to know before signing up for the Food Safety Supervisor course in Hobart.
Federal Food Safety Legislation
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is responsible for regulating the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, the overarching standard for food safety in Australia.
The Food Standards Code consists of four sections:
- Introduction and standards that apply to all food
- Food standards
- Food safety standards
- Primary production standards
Although federally regulated, the governance of the Food Standards Code is the responsibility of each individual state or territory. In Tasmania, legislation is enforced by the Department of Health.
Tasmania Food Safety Legislation
Why Is the Tasmanian Food Act of 2003 Food Legislation Necessary?
Enforced by the Department of Health, the Food Act 2003 (TAS) requires all food on the island of Tasmania to be safe for human consumption in accordance with the standards established by the FSANZ Food Standards Code.
Does FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A Apply In Tasmania?
On December 8 2023, FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A will come into effect for the whole of Australia, including Tasmania. This federal legislation requires all food service businesses to have at least one designated Food Safety Supervisor on staff at all times. These individuals must complete an accredited Food Safety Supervisor course in order to meet the required training standards.
Food Business Registration
Tasmanian food businesses are prohibited from operating until they have registered with the relevant enforcement agency. In most cases this can be done by submitting an application to the local council.
Are the Food Safety Training Requirements the Same in Hobart as the Rest of Tasmania?
Food businesses in Hobart adhere to the same state legislation as the rest of Tasmania. However, these regulations are implemented by local authorities. In Hobart, food safety standards are enforced at a local level by Hobart City Council through the following services:
- Food business registration
- Compliance monitoring
- Education and advice
- Enforcement measures
Environmental Health Officers
In Hobart, state and federal regulations are enforced by Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) representing Hobart City Council. Officers regularly inspect businesses to ensure compliance with food safety legislation, including the Food Safety Supervisor requirements imposed by Standard 3.2.2A.
EHOs are authorised by law to enter a food establishment at any time to monitor food safety compliance. No prior permission is required and they are authorised to:
- Go into any area of a food business
- Request evidence that the correct food safety training has been performed (including the Food Safety Supervisor course)
- Take samples
- Issue infringement notices (fines)
- Close the business immediately if it's deemed to be a serious public health risk
Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and other major cities across Australia enforce regulations differently, so if you operate a food business anywhere other than Hobart, make sure you brush up on your knowledge using Food Safety First’s city-specific guides.
What Happens if You Don’t Comply With Food Safety Legislation?
Food safety is critically important and should not be ignored. Failing to abide by food safety standards can have severe consequences, including food-borne illnesses, legal action, fines, forced closures and reputational harm:
Fines
Financial penalties may be issued immediately for each offence committed. These fines often run into tens of thousands of dollars.
Legal Prosecution
Serious breaches of legislation could lead to the Department of Health taking legal action against your food business.
Temporary Closure
Some violations may result in your food establishment being forced to close, temporarily preventing you from trading until food safety concerns are addressed.
Reputational Damage
In cases where serious food safety violations occur, incidents may become widely reported in the local or national media, causing irreparable damage to your brand and dissuading potential customers.
What Is a Food Safety Supervisor?
A Food Safety Supervisor is an individual (business owner, manager or employee) who has been nominated to monitor and implement food safety standards in their workplace. They are also tasked with supervising Food Handlers and ensuring that they are trained to the required standard.
Before being appointed, Food Safety Supervisors must complete a Food Safety Supervisor course with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). If your designated Food Safety Supervisor leaves the business, a replacement must be appointed within 30 days.
Food Safety First (FSF) delivers a government approved Food Safety Supervisor course to food businesses of all sizes in Hobart and beyond. Read on to learn more about this training program.
What Is the Food Safety Supervisor Course About?
The FSF Food Safety Supervisor course empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills they need in order to implement and maintain food safety standards in their workplace. It's a detailed program that covers many crucial aspects of food safety.
How Many Learning Modules Does the Food Safety Supervisor Course Include?
There are 19 interactive lessons included in the course and each one is accompanied by a quiz to test your knowledge. Here are some of the key topics covered:
- Food Contamination & High-Risk Groups
- Identifying Food Safety Hazards
- Cleaning & Sanitising
- Hand Washing
- Time & Temperature Control
- Personal Hygiene & Workplace Behaviour
- Food Safety Laws & Responsibilities
- Lesson Receiving & Storing Food
- Allergen Management
- Food Safety Programs
Is There a Food Safety Supervisor Exam?
Written examinations are not required as part of the Food Safety Supervisor course. However, the following assessment methods are used to determine your aptitude:
1. Lesson Quizzes
A multiple choice quiz that must be completed at the end of each lesson.
2. Case Studies
Two case studies (accompanied by multiple choice quiz based on content).
3. Reading Activity
PDF document containing information about potentially hazardous foods (accompanied by multiple choice quiz based on content).
4. Observer Report / Declaration
Practical tasks conducted in the workplace under the observation of a fellow food industry professional.
Which Units of Competency Do You Need in Hobart?
The Tasmanian Department of Health only accepts units of competency related to Health & Community, Hospitality and Retail.
Health & Community
There are three units of competency that apply to Health & Community:
- HLTFSE001 (Follow basic food safety practices): Provides the knowledge and skills required to implement food safety measures, uphold personal hygiene standards, keep food handling areas clean, and dispose of food appropriately.
- HLTFSE005 (Apply and monitor food safety requirements): Outlines the fundamental principles of food safety, including safe food handling and personal hygiene practices.
- HLTFSE007 (Oversee the day-to-day implementation of food safety in the workplace): Ensures that designated supervisors can effectively implement and monitor food safety procedures on a daily basis.
Hospitality
There are two units of competency that apply to Hospitality:
- SITXFSA005 (Use hygienic practices for food safety): Shares best practices for basic food safety procedures, such as safe food handling, personal hygiene, cleaning and sanitising.
- SITXFSA006 (Participate in safe food handling practices): Demonstrates how to execute practical elements of safe food handling, such as food storage, temperature control and contamination risk management.
Retail
There is one unit of competency that applies to Retail:
- SIRRFSA001 (Handle food safely in a retail environment): Outlines the requirements for cleaning and sanitising, safe food handling and storage.
After registering for the Food Safety Supervisor course you should choose the option that is most relevant to your business type (Hospitality, Health & Community or Retail).
Does the Food Safety Supervisor Course Have a Time Limit?
Once enrolled into the FSF Food Safety Supervisor course, you have up to 12 months in which to finish the training. Course materials can be accessed online 24/7, enabling you to work through the course at your own pace. In total, the program takes approximately 8 hours to complete.
How Often Is Food Safety Supervisor Training Required in Hobart?
Upon the successful completion of the Food Safety Supervisor course, you will be issued a Statement of Attainment with a validity of five years. To retain your Food Safety Supervisor status, you will need to retake the course before the expiration date listed on your current certification.
The 5 Steps To Achieving Food Safety Supervisor Certification in Hobart
To obtain your Food Safety Supervisor certification with FSF, all you need to do is follow a simple 5-step process:
- Visit the FSF website.
- Register online or over the phone (1300 856 836).
- Select the business sector that best matches your specific business type (Health & Community, Hospitality or Retail).
- Complete the course online at your own pace.
- Receive your Statement of Attainment via email or post.
What Can You Expect from Food Safety First?
Food Safety First provides comprehensive training programs that deliver cost-effective food safety certification to small and medium-sized businesses throughout Australia. When registering with FSF, you benefit from the following:
- Affordable training programs: Discount prices and no hidden fees.
- Industry-specific content: Courses tailored to specific sectors of the food industry.
- Online access: No in-person training is required – complete courses online at your own pace from anywhere you like.
- Government approved training: Food Safety First is a Register Training Organisation (RTO) authorised by the government to conduct Food Safety training programs nationwide.
- Legal compliance: FSF training programs are designed in accordance with Australian food safety laws and regulations, including those imposed by each state and territory.
Become a Certified Food Safety Supervisor With FSF
Now that you know the ins and outs of the Food Safety Supervisor course in Hobart, it’s time to take the next step on your journey to certification. Keep your business compliant with the law and keep customers safe by registering with Food Safety First.
Want to know more about Food Safety Supervisor training? Contact us today and discover what FSF can offer.
Important Links
Food Safety Supervisor Course (Level 1 & 2)
Food Safety Supervisor Course (Level 2)
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
Food Safety - Hobart City Council
Tasmanian Government - Department of Health