With different food safety regulations implemented across different regions, understanding the requirements for obtaining a Food Safety Supervisor certificate in Australia’s various states and territories can be challenging.
This article explores the certification requirements, providing guidance on Food Safety Supervisor training in each part of the country.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
What is a Food Safety Supervisor?
A Food Safety Supervisor is responsible for monitoring food safety throughout their business. The person undertaking this role, typically a senior member of staff such as a head chef or restaurant manager, will monitor Food Handler activities and implement food safety procedures in accordance with the Food Standards Code.
Key responsibilities of a Food Safety Supervisor:
- Making sure food is handled and stored safely within day-to-day operations.
- Identifying and managing potential food safety risks.
- Providing training and guidance for staff on food safety practices.
- Keeping food safety records up to date for audits and inspections.
Food Safety Supervisor certification uses specific units of competency to verify that the designated individual has the knowledge and skills needed to meet these responsibilities in their workplace.
Food Safety Supervisor certification in Australia
Food Safety Supervisor certification is mandatory for certain sectors of the Australian food industry. While each state and territory may have its own specific requirements, the basic food safety regulations remain the same nationwide.
In Australia, national food safety standards are overseen by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) through the Food Standards Code. This code outlines the responsibilities of food service and food retail businesses, including Standard 3.2.2A, which mandates that every food establishment must have at least one certified Food Safety Supervisor on staff.
The requirement to have at least one Food Safety Supervisor applies whenever food is being prepared, cooked, served or sold. During these times, the designated individual must be reasonably contactable.
To accommodate multiple shifts, staff leave, and turnover, it is recommended that each site have more than one qualified Food Safety Supervisor to ensure continuous compliance with food safety regulations.
Each state and territory in Australia has its own regulatory body responsible for food safety. Below is an overview of Food Safety Supervisor requirements for each region.
Do you need a Food Safety Supervisor certificate in New South Wales (NSW)?
In New South Wales, food safety regulations are established under the Food Act 2003 (NSW) and the Food Regulation 2015 (NSW). These laws ensure that all food sold in the state is safe for consumption and complies with the standards outlined in the Food Standards Code.
Food safety governance in NSW is managed by the NSW Food Authority, which operates under the Department of Primary Industries. In collaboration with NSW Health, the authority is responsible for monitoring food safety across the state, ensuring that food businesses adhere to the relevant legislative requirements.
To comply with these regulations, businesses in the hospitality and retail food service sectors must appoint at least one certified Food Safety Supervisor to oversee Food Handler activities. Certification must be obtained from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) recognised by the NSW Food Authority.
The NSW Food Authority has additional requirements beyond those outlined in Standard 3.2.2A. To meet these, Food Safety Supervisors must complete state-specific training, which covers four key areas of food safety:
- Safe egg handling
- Allergen management
- Cleaning and sanitising practices
- Food Act offences
The NSW Food Safety Supervisor Certificate is valid for five years from the date of issue, after which time Food Safety Supervisors in NSW will be required to complete the NSW Recertification course to obtain a certificate renewal from the NSW Food Authority. Food businesses have 30 days after expiry to ensure their appointed Food Safety Supervisor renews their training and obtains a new NSW Food Safety Supervisor Certificate.
What are the Food Safety Supervisor requirements in Queensland (QLD)?
In Queensland, food safety requirements are set by the Food Act 2006 (QLD).This Act requires that food sold in QLD is safe and suitable for human consumption and meets all standards set out in the Food Standards Code. Implementation of the Act is the joint responsibility of QLD Health and local government.
In enforcing Standard 3.2.2A, QLD Health requires any business that prepares, sells or serves food must have at least one designated Food Safety Supervisor on staff at all times.
QLD Health identifies licensees, proprietors and employees as suitable candidates for the role of Food Safety Supervisor and also recommends appointing more than one person to the position.
The requirement for a Food Safety Supervisor certification in Queensland applies to any business preparing, serving or selling potentially hazardous foods. Certification must be obtained by completing a nationally recognised Food Safety Supervisor training program.
How to get a Food Safety Supervisor certificate in South Australia (SA)
Food safety in South Australia is regulated under the Food Act 2001 (SA), which is enforced by SA Health. This legislation ensures that all food sold within the state is safe for consumption and complies with the standards outlined in the Food Standards Code.
To comply with SA Health’s enforcement of FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A, South Australia food businesses must appoint at least one certified Food Safety Supervisor. The nominated individual(s) must obtain certification by completing a Food Safety Supervisor course through an RTO.
If a Food Safety Supervisor leaves the business, a replacement must be appointed within 30 days.
Is a Food Safety Supervisor certificate mandatory in Tasmania (TAS)?
Food safety in Tasmania is regulated under the Food Act 2003 (TAS), which is enforced by the Department of Health & Human Services. This legislation ensures that all food sold within the state is safe for consumption and complies with the standards outlined in the Food Standards Code.
In implementing Standard 3.2.2A, state regulators require food businesses to have at least one designated Food Safety Supervisor on staff at all times. Anyone nominated to undertake this role must obtain certification through the completion of nationally recognised Food Safety Supervisor training.
The Tasmanian Department of Health promotes the appointment of more than one Food Safety Supervisor per site to ensure adequate supervision to cover shift times and staff leave.
If a Food Safety Supervisor leaves the business permanently, a replacement must be appointed within 30 days.
Does Victoria (VIC) require a Food Safety Supervisor certificate?
In Victoria, the Food Act 1984 regulates the sale and production of food. This legislation is enforced by the Victoria Department of Health and ensures that all food produced and sold in the state is safe for consumption and complies with the Food Standards Code.
In accordance with FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A, Victoria requires food businesses to have at least one certified Food Safety Supervisor on staff. The designated individual(s) must obtain certification by completing a Food Safety Supervisor course through an approved RTO.
If a Food Safety Supervisor leaves the business, a replacement must be appointed within 30 days.
What are the certification rules for Food Safety Supervisors in Western Australia (WA)?
Food safety in Western Australia is regulated under the Food Act 2008 (WA) and enforced by WA Health. This legislation ensures that all food sold within the state is safe for consumption and complies with the standards outlined in the Food Standards Code.
Under FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A, Western Australia mandates that food businesses have at least one certified Food Safety Supervisor on staff. To obtain certification, the appointed individual(s) must complete a Food Safety Supervisor course delivered by an approved RTO.
If a Food Safety Supervisor leaves the business, a replacement must be appointed within 30 days.
How to become a certified Food Safety Supervisor in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT)?
In the Australian Capital Territory, food safety requirements are set by the Food Act 2001. This Act requires that food sold in the ACT is safe and suitable for human consumption and meets all standards established within the Food Standards Code, including Standard 3.2.2A.
The ACT Health Protection Service is the authority responsible for enforcing Standard 3.2.2A, including the requirements for Food Safety Supervisors in the Australian Capital Territory.
It is mandatory for all ACT food businesses to appoint at least one designated Food Safety Supervisor to be on staff at all times. Nominated individuals must complete a nationally recognised Food Safety Supervisor course delivered by an approved RTO in order to obtain the required certification.
If a Food Safety Supervisor leaves the business, a replacement must be appointed within 30 days.
What are the Food Safety Supervisor training requirements in the Northern Territory (NT)?
In the Northern Territory, food safety is regulated under the Food Act 2004 (NT), which is overseen by the NT Department of Health. This legislation ensures that all food sold within the region is safe for consumption and complies with the requirements outlined in the Food Standards Code.
In alignment with FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A, the Northern Territory requires food businesses to have at least certified Food Safety Supervisor on staff. The nominated individual(s) must obtain certification through the successful completion of a government approved Food Safety Supervisor training program.
If a Food Safety Supervisor leaves the business, a replacement must be appointed within 30 days.
Maintaining certification
Certification is not a one-time requirement; it must be maintained through ongoing training and renewal every five years. This ensures that Food Safety Supervisors are up-to-date with the latest regulations and best practices.
Food Safety Supervisor training
Compliance with FSANZ 3.2.2A requires those designated the role of Food Safety Supervisor to complete a government-approved Food Safety Supervisor training program.
This not only allows participants to obtain certification, but it also equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to manage food safety risks effectively when overseeing food handling activities in their establishment.
The Australian Institute of Food Safety (AIFS) is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) authorised to deliver Food Safety Supervisor training for every state and territory in Australia in line with the requirements of Standard 3.2.2A.
AIFS Food Safety Supervisor Course
The AIFS Food Safety Supervisor Course includes 19 interactive lessons to be completed online, covering the following topics:
- Food Safety Laws & Responsibilities
- Food Contamination & High-Risk Groups
- Biological Contamination
- Other Types of Contamination
- Food Allergies*
- Cleaning & Sanitising
- Maintaining Food Premises
- Hand Washing
- Personal Hygiene & Workplace Behaviour
- Illness & Onsite Injuries
- Time & Temperature Control
- Receiving & Storing Food
- Working with Food Safely
- Serving Food Safely
- Food Safety Programs
- Identifying Food Safety Hazards
- Monitoring, Controlling & Correcting Food Safety Hazards
- Reporting, Investigating & Recording Food Safety Breaches
- Food Safety Management
*The NSW version of the Food Safety Supervisor course includes an additional lesson that covers allergen management in greater detail, as required by the NSW Food Authority.
To obtain certification, participants must demonstrate their understanding of the above topics through the completion of specific assessment activities.
Each lesson is followed by a multiple-choice quiz - all questions must be answered correctly in order to progress to the next section of the course (multiple attempts are available). There are also two case studies* and a reading activity to work through which also include a series of multiple-choice questions based on the content provided.
*In NSW, state regulations require additional case studies.
The Observer Report is the final assessment activity required before certification. It involves performing practical tasks under the supervision of a nominated observer, who then completes the provided report confirming the skills demonstrated meet industry food safety standards.
Once all lessons and assessment activities have been successfully completed, AIFS will issue a Food Safety Supervisor Statement of Attainment.
A digital copy of the document is sent via email, which can be printed and displayed in the workplace to ensure it is available for inspection if requested by an Environmental Health Officer.
In addition, AIFS students receive a Graduation Pack that includes a printed statement of attainment, a display certificate, a food safety card and an AIFS membership decal for their business.
Become a certified Food Safety Supervisor in Australia
Obtaining Food Safety Supervisor certification is crucial for ensuring your food business operates safely and complies with both national and state regulations. By meeting the requirements and completing the necessary training, you can safeguard your customers and protect your business’s reputation.
If you need a Food Safety Supervisor certificate in Australia, AIFS offers a nationally recognised course that meets the compliance requirements of all states and territories.
Interested in enrolling? Sign up online or get in touch with our expert team and discover all the benefits of the Food Safety Supervisor training program.
