Introduction
As of 2024, all Australian food businesses must comply with the updated food safety legislation outlined by the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. These updated regulations, which are outlined under Standard 3.2.2A, involve stricter food-handling measures in response to research showing that the main culprit of foodborne illness outbreaks in 2018 was the food service sector. As of 8 December 2024, these new regulations apply to all Australian food businesses at a national level.
A food business as defined by Standard 3.2.2A is defined as any organisation that sells unpackaged, ready-to-eat food that is potentially hazardous. These regulations apply to nearly all food-handling businesses, from commercial kitchens in cafes, pubs, restaurants and food vans, all the way to places that open and reheat packaged food, such as food caterers, tuck shops, or after-school children’s activities that provide meals.
Whether you’ve been nudged by your employer to become your site’s new Food Safety Supervisor, are a past Food Safety Supervisor who needs to be recertified about the new standards, or wish to learn more about what being a Food Safety Supervisor involves, we’re here to help.
How Long Does a Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) Certificate Last?
A Food Safety Supervisor Certificate lasts for five years. All food businesses must have a Food Safety Supervisor with a completed qualification from the last five years at all times.
For further details about the specifics on when to renew your FSS certification, please consult the government website for your relevant state or territory.
What is a Food Safety Supervisor?
A Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) has an extremely important role in the kitchen. Their purpose is to supervise the food handling practices by the staff and business, ensuring that both comply with food safety standards and effectively eliminate food contamination risk.
The role also involves training staff in understanding food-safe handling, recognising food contamination hazards, employing surface sanitising procedures, and practicing personal hygiene so that safety requirements are being met.
The business’ FSS doesn’t need to be on site at all times, however, it’s recommended that they be present during all food handling procedures. In moments when they cannot be on site, they must be reasonably available such as by phone call or text message.
What Does Performing a Food Safety Supervisor Course Involve?
In our modern era, doing a food safety supervisor certificate to work in a commercial food business couldn’t be simpler. It’s a paperless affair that can be done completely online on a web browser. With AIA course, you will answer straightforward multiple-choice and case-study questions which will cover topics included but not limited to:
- Introduction to food hygiene
- Identification of food hazards
- Food safety risks
- Controlling bacterial growth
- Handling food safely
- Preventing food contamination
- Personal hygiene
- Preventing cross contamination, and
- Hygienic cleaning practices
What do you receive upon completing a course?
The FSS will receive a Statement of Attainment and a state-relevant FSS certificate. Please note: one copy of the FSS’s certificate must be kept on business premises at all times.
What are Hazardous Foods?
Certain foods can be hazardous for consumption because they are infamous for supporting bacteria growth, toxin production, and must be stored/kept at specific temperatures to be safe to eat. These include:
- Cooked meat and poultry,
- foods containing eggs, beans, and nuts,
- dairy and foods containing dairy,
- cooked rice and pasta,
- seafood,
- sprouted seeds,
- cut fruits and vegetables, and
- meals containing potentially hazardous foods such as sandwiches, pizzas, and rice rolls.
If your food business handles any food that falls under the above categories, they will need to have an FSS on premises while food is being prepared and handled.
Penalties
As an FSS, it is extremely important that you comply with food safety regulations, as not doing so can result in fines, license suspensions, and even legal prosecution.
This is why it’s extremely important to be up to date with food safety as a professional FSS. Remember, it can not only cost the reputation of your business, but also cost the lives and health of members of the public.
Outro
Need your Food Safety Supervisor recertification? Here at AIA you can get certified or recertified with our world-class online courses. Stay up to date with everything food safety by doing our recertification course, or if you’re brand new to the food-handling industry, we will hold your hand as we take you step by step through everything you need to know about being a Food Safety Supervisor equipped to handle professional food safety standards.