On December 8, 2023, new legislation will come into effect which will require all Australian businesses that prepare and serve food to have trained Food Safety Supervisors available on their premises at all times. This legislation is known as Standard 3.2.2A and is part of the Food Standards Code administered by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
Previously, Food Safety Supervisor training legislation was state-mandated and only applied to food businesses in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT. Now food businesses in Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory also need to comply
What It Takes to Become a Food Safety Supervisor in Australia
To become a Food Safety Supervisor in Australia, individuals must successfully complete nationally recognised Food Safety Supervisor Training. Food Safety Supervisor training includes topics such as the development of food safety plans, the implementation of appropriate control measures, developing hygienic systems and routines, monitoring and recording temperatures of food products and providing training to staff members.
In addition, individuals must be able to demonstrate competency in basic food safety requirements such as personal hygiene, temperature control, storage and handling of food products, and cleaning and sanitation procedures as part of their Food Safety Supervisor certification. By completing this training, Australians can ensure that their workplaces comply with national food safety regulations.
Industry-Specific Food Safety Supervisor Training
Every food business is different, and a Food Safety Supervisor in a restaurant will have very different duties and responsibilities than one working in a food processing facility. This is why Food Safety First offers industry-specific training, to optimise the content and evaluation for the industry needs.
Food Safety First offers Food Safety Supervisor certification for the following industries and their respective Units of Competency:
- Retail: SIRRFSA001 - Handle food safely in a retail environment
- Hospitality: SITXFSA005 - Use hygienic practices for food safety and SITXFSA006 - Participate in safe food handling practices
- Health & Community: HLTFSE001 - Follow basic food safety practices, HLTFSE005 - Apply and monitor food safety requirements and HLTFSE007 - Oversee the day-to-day implementation of food safety in the workplace
- Food Processing: FBPFSY1002 - Follow work procedures to maintain food safety and FBPFSY2002 - Apply food safety procedures
- Transport & Distribution: SITXFSA005 - Use hygienic practices for food safety and SITXFSA006 - Participate in safe food handling practices
In Conclusion
While Food Handler training teaches food workers to handle food in safe ways to prevent foodborne illness outbreaks, a Food Safety Supervisor’s job entails much more, including supervising and training food workers, and being responsible for a safe food operation where everyone follows an adequate food safety plan, and there is a culture of food safety.
If you want to advance your career, are considering changing jobs, or are looking for a new challenge, getting a Food Safety Supervisor certification will definitely give you an advantage in the food industry, especially as December approaches and more businesses start looking to meet the new regulations.