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 set by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), the Victoria Department of Health, and Melbourne City Council.
In order to adhere to these regulations, food establishments must appoint a designated Food Safety Supervisor. This individual needs to be certified through a government-approved training program.
Food Safety First is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) approved to deliver Food Safety Supervisor training that aligns with legislative requirements. In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the key aspects of the course so you know what to expect before you enrol.
What Makes Food Safety Supervisor Training So Important?
Ensuring food safety is a fundamental aspect of running a food business and failing to comply with legal standards can result in severe consequences, including food-borne illnesses, financial penalties, business closure, and reputational damage.
By enrolling in the Food Safety Supervisor course, you not only contribute to your customers' safety but also ensure your food business's compliance with FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A.
Who Is the Food Safety Supervisor Course for?
The Food Safety Supervisor program is tailored for individuals engaged in the preparation, handling, and service of food within a commercial setting. This includes roles such as restaurant owners, managers, chefs, kitchen staff, caterers, and other food service workers.
In adherence to FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A, it is a requirement for all food service businesses in Melbourne to have at least one certified Food Safety Supervisor. This individual is tasked with mentoring food handlers, ensuring food safety compliance, managing the Food Safety Program, and serving as a primary point of contact for inquiries related to food safety.
What Is Included in the Food Safety Supervisor Course?
The Food Safety Supervisor course in Melbourne equips food service professionals in the city with the knowledge and skills required to safely handle and prepare food within their workplace.
Food Safety First’s training program covers a range of topics from food safety legislation to managing food safety risks.
Interactive Lessons
- Allergen Management
- Biological Contamination
- Cleaning & Sanitising
- Food Contamination & High-Risk Groups
- Food Safety Laws & Responsibilities
- Food Safety Management
- Food Safety Programs
- Hand Washing
- Identifying Food Safety Hazards
- Illness & Onsite Injuries
- Maintaining Food Premises
- Monitoring, Controlling & Correcting Food Safety Hazards
- Other Types of Contamination
- Personal Hygiene & Workplace Behaviour
- Receiving & Storing Food
- Reporting, Investigating & Recording Food Safety Breaches
- Serving Food Safely
- Time & Temperature Control
- Working with Food Safely
Assessment Activities
The assessment section of the Food Safety Supervisor course in Melbourne is divided into four parts:
1. Lesson Quizzes
At the end of each lesson there is a multiple choice quiz that needs to be completed. You have five attempts to answer all questions correctly -- a score of 100 percent is required in order to move on to the next lesson.
2. Case Studies
There are two case studies to complete as part of the assessment process. The purpose of these is to check that you can apply what you've learnt to real-life situations. You must read the case study text and answer a series of multiple choice questions related to the scenario you’ve been presented with.
3. Reading Activity
There is a reading activity on potentially hazardous foods. This involves students downloading a PDF document from the course page and reading it in detail before completing a multiple choice quiz based on its content.
4. Observer Report / Declaration
This is the only element of the course that isn’t completed online. It requires somebody at your workplace or another food industry professional to complete an Observer Report. Practical tasks such as hand washing are observed with a subsequent report either submitted online or filled out manually.
Who Regulates Food Safety in Melbourne?
As is the case for food businesses in other Australian cities, such as Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide, establishments in Melbourne must comply with various food safety laws at a federal, state and local level.
What Is the Food Safety Code in Victoria?
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is responsible for regulating the Food Standards Code, which acts as the universal standard for food safety in Australia.
The Food Standards Code is split into four sections:
- Introduction and standards that apply to all food
- Food standards
- Food safety standards
- Primary production standards
Although these are federal regulations, they are enforced by state and territory departments. In Victoria, this is the Department of Health.
Victoria Food Safety Legislation
The sale and production of food in Victoria is controlled by the Food Act 1984 and enforced by the state’s Department of Health. The Act requires that all food sold and produced in Victoria is safe for human consumption and meets all standards set out in the Food Standards Code.
To make this legislation as effective as possible, businesses in Victoria are separated into various categories based on the potential risk they present to consumers. There are four different classes of business, ranging from Class 1 (highest risk) to Class 4 (lowest risk).
The classification system acts as a guide for Health Inspectors when issuing infringement notices for food safety breaches. Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) in Victoria have the authority to close businesses where there is an immediate threat to public health.
It's important to note that this system doesn’t align with the classification framework outlined in FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A. The national system encompasses just two categories of food businesses, namely Category 1 and Category 2. Food establishments in Melbourne should be conscious of their categorisation, both at a federal and state level.
FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A
At a federal level, FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A stipulates that businesses involved in food preparation, service, or delivery must have at least one designated Food Safety Supervisor on staff. In Melbourne and the rest of Victoria, these regulations are imposed by the Department of Health.
To comply with the law, Food Safety Supervisors must obtain a new Statement of Attainment every five years by repeating the Food Safety Supervisor course.
How Long Does a Food Safety Supervisor Certificate Last in Melbourne?
After completing the Food Safety Supervisor course, students in Melbourne receive a Statement of Attainment recognised by the federal government, the Victoria Department of Health and the City of Melbourne. This certification is valid for five years, with a requirement to retake the course before it expires.
Where Are Food Safety Supervisor Training Sessions Held in Melbourne?
Once registered with Food Safety First, students in Melbourne have 24/7 access to the course via the student portal. The majority of the course, except the Observer Report section, can be completed online at a time and place that is convenient for you.
How Long Is the Food Safety Supervisor Course?
There are 19 lessons to complete along with a handful of assessment activities. Students have access to the Food Safety Supervisor course for 12 months so they can complete it at their own pace. In total, the online elements of the course take approximately eight hours to complete.
How Should You Prepare For the Food Supervisor Course?
There are no prerequisites for the course, but there are some technical requirements:
- PC, laptop or tablet (mobile devices are not recommended)
- Internet connection
- Modern web browser
- Email address
- Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat (to access PDF documents)
When will I receive my Statement of Attainment?
After your completed assessment has been submitted to Food Safety First, you will receive your Statement of Attainment via email within a few business days. Express Certification is offered on some courses, enabling you to get your certificate even faster.
What Is Food Safety First?
Food Safety First is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) specialising in the delivery of food safety training programs throughout Australia. Whether you are in search of Food Handler training or a comprehensive Food Safety Supervisor course, Food Safety First can provide a cost-effective solution to meet your needs.
Participate in online courses from anywhere in Australia, safe in the knowledge that you are working towards a Statement of Attainment that is recognised nationwide. Legal compliance is assured and training is tailored to your specific business sector (Retail, Hospitality, Health & Community, Transport & Distribution or Food Processing).
Obtain Your Statement of Attainment With Food Safety First
Now that you have expanded your knowledge regarding the Food Safety Supervisor course in Melbourne, it's time to enrol. Protect your customers and keep your business compliant by registering with Food Safety First today.
Follow six simple steps to become a certified Food Safety Supervisor in Melbourne:
- Visit the Food Safety First website
- Select the Food Safety Supervisor course
- Register online or call Food Safety First on 1300 856 836.
- After registering, select the course that matches the business sector you operate in (Hospitality, Retail, Food Processing, Health & Community or Transport & Distribution).
- Work through the course content at your own pace.
- Complete the assessment activities to demonstrate your knowledge.
- Receive your Statement of Attainment
Got more questions? Get in touch with the Food Safety First team and learn even more about the Food Safety Supervisor course.
Important Links
Food Safety Supervisor Course (Level 1 & 2)
Food Safety Supervisor Course (Level 2)
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
Food Safety - City of Melbourne