Whether you operate a café, restaurant, food truck or catering business, appointing a Certified Food Safety Supervisor is not just a best practice—it is a legal requirement. More importantly, it is essential for protecting your business, your team and your customers.
In this blog, we will take a closer look at the role of a Food Safety Supervisor and explain how the Food Safety Supervisor course offered by the Australian Institute of Food Safety (AIFS) simplifies the certification process.
A Certified Food Safety Supervisor is someone within your business who holds the authority and knowledge to oversee food safety practices and ensure compliance with food safety legislation. They must have completed an accredited Food Safety Supervisor course that is recognised by the relevant authority in your state or territory.
Responsibilities of a Food Safety Supervisor:
Having a Certified Food Safety Supervisor in your team ensures that food safety becomes part of your business culture, not just a compliance box to tick.
Their presence not only reduces the risk of food-borne illnesses like E. coli and Salmonella, but also reassures staff and customers that your business takes safety seriously.
Standard 3.2.2A, established by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), mandates that food businesses across Australia appoint a Certified Food Safety Supervisor. Failing to comply with this legal requirement can result in financial penalties, business closures and reputational damage.
It is best practice to employ more than one Food Safety Supervisor as it ensures compliance is maintained during staff absences.
While compliance with the law is a key driver, there are many other advantages to having a Certified Food Safety Supervisor in your business.
Appointing someone who actively monitors food safety practices can help reduce the risk of contamination in the workplace.
The Food Safety Supervisor can train and support team members, leading to more consistent practices across shifts.
Customers are more likely to return to a business they perceive as clean, safe and professional.
Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) often look more favourably on businesses with a proactive approach to food safety. This can lead to quicker inspections and fewer disruptions.
Identifying and resolving food safety issues early prevents costly mistakes, spoilage or food recalls.
Many food businesses delay appointing a Certified Food Safety Supervisor because they assume:
These assumptions can lead to serious consequences. The reality is that all food businesses—regardless of size—can benefit from having a trained Food Safety Supervisor. The cost of training is small compared to the financial and reputational damage of a food safety breach.
You do not need to hire someone new. In most cases, an existing staff member can become your Certified Food Safety Supervisor. It could be the manager, head chef or another senior team member who works on-site and understands your business processes.
To qualify, they must complete an approved Food Safety Supervisor course that is specific to your industry sector (e.g. Hospitality, Retail or Health & Community).
AIFS is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) approved to deliver Food Safety Supervisor training that meets the units of competency set out in FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A.
The AIFS Food Safety Supervisor Course curriculum covers essential topics such as food safety laws, personal hygiene, cleaning, sanitising and more. The online course includes 19 interactive lessons, each followed by a multiple-choice quiz designed to test your knowledge and understanding before moving on to the next section.
The course also includes two case studies* and a reading activity, each accompanied by multiple-choice questions to assess your understanding of the material.
*Note: In New South Wales, additional case studies are required to meet local regulatory requirements.
The final assessment task is the Observer Report. For this, participants must demonstrate key practical skills while being observed by a nominated individual. The observer then fills out the report to verify that the student’s performance aligns with food industry safety standards.
After successfully completing all lessons and assessment activities, participants will receive an email containing their official Statement of Attainment, which is valid for five years. It is important to ensure this document is readily available for review by an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) during workplace inspections.
Food safety laws are always evolving, and as a business owner or manager, it is your responsibility to stay up to date. Appointing a Certified Food Safety Supervisor is a key step in showing regulators, customers and staff that you are serious about safety.
By doing so, you also give your business a competitive edge. Safe food is good business.
If you are unsure whether your business needs a Certified Food Safety Supervisor, or you are not sure who should take on the role, now is the time to find out.
AIFS offers nationally recognised training that meets the legal requirements across all states and territories. Whether you are starting a new business or updating your food safety procedures, this is an essential step in ensuring compliance and maintaining high standards.
Looking for Food Safety Supervisor training? Enrol your staff in our online Food Safety Supervisor course today or get in touch to discover the benefits of an AIFS Business Account.