Food safety is a broad topic and there are different types of qualifications and courses you can enrol in. Two of the most often completed are the Food Handler course and the Food Safety Supervisor course.
A Food Safety Supervisor needs to complete the necessary training so that they can effectively carry out their role and ensure that the business’s food is safe to eat. So that the Food Safety Supervisor is able to meet all of their obligations and carry out their role, they must first acquire the fundamental food safety knowledge.
One of the main ways that a student can be confident that they have been taught the necessary food safety skills is by completing a course which is nationally recognised. National recognition refers to training that is delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). To be considered an RTO, the training organisation needs to be registered with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).
When you complete a nationally recognised Food Safety Supervisor course through a registered RTO, you will receive a Statement of Attainment with the units of competency you completed printed on it.
When completing a Food Safety Supervisor course in order to be able to work in New South Wales (NSW), not only do you have to complete a nationally recognised course, you also have to choose an RTO who is listed on the NSW Food Authority’s pre-approved training provider list. This means that upon completion, you will receive a Statement of Attainment and a NSW Food Authority Food Safety Supervisor Certificate.
Once you have completed a nationally recognised course which meets all of the Food Safety Supervisor requirements for your food sector, you are required to advise your local food authority, typically your local council. This is done so as to make them aware of who is to be contacted regarding food safety matters.
Food handlers are individuals which handle food as part of their position; for example cooks, canteen workers, cafe operators and chefs. It is essential that all food handlers have the fundamental food safety skills required to be able to complete their role safely, and not cause individuals harm by incorrectly preparing or handling food.
Many food handlers, who will not be completing the role of a Food Safety Supervisor, choose to enrol in a nationally recognised Food Handler course. By completing this course, the student will gain the essential food handling knowledge in order to handle food safely.
Once completed, the student will receive a valid Statement of Attainment with the unit of competency SITXFSA001 – Use hygienic practices for food safety, which is the first half of the Hospitality Food Safety Supervisor course.