Food Safety Supervisor: QLD Training Requirements

There are almost 33,000 licensed food businesses In Queensland (QLD), and if you are one of them, you may need to appoint a certified Food Safety Supervisor to comply with the Food Act 2006 (QLD). 

To become a Food Safety Supervisor in QLD, individuals must complete approved, sector-specific training and hold a valid Statement of Attainment, which must be renewed every five years. 

What is a Food Safety Supervisor?

A Food Safety Supervisor is a staff member who has specific responsibility for overseeing food safety practices in a food business. In Queensland, this role is mandatory for many licensed food businesses that prepare and serve unpackaged food.

The supervisor must have completed an approved Food Safety Supervisor course relevant to their industry sector, be able to oversee day-to-day food handling operations and be reasonably available during operating hours. Their role is to help ensure food is handled, prepared and stored safely in line with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Standard 3.2.2.A, reducing the risk of food-borne illness.

Which food businesses need a Food Safety Supervisor in QLD?

Under the Food Act 2006 (QLD), licensed food businesses that prepare potentially hazardous foods, such as meat and dairy products, are generally required to nominate a certified Food Safety Supervisor. This often includes cafés, restaurants, takeaway shops, caterers, food trucks and similar hospitality businesses.

Some low-risk food businesses may be exempt, depending on how food is handled and the nature of the operation. Because enforcement sits with local councils, it is important to confirm your obligations with your council or an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) if you are unsure.

Who should complete Food Safety Supervisor training in Queensland?

Food Safety Supervisor training is suitable for anyone who supervises or plans to supervise food handling activities. This commonly includes chefs and cooks, café and restaurant managers, supervisors and team leaders, caterers, food truck operators and experienced Food Handlers ready to step into a leadership role.

How to become a Food Safety Supervisor in QLD

Employees that have been designated as a Food Safety Supervisor must complete training that matches your industry sector. Queensland recognises units of competency that apply to Hospitality, Retail, Food Processing, Health & Community, and Transport & Distribution businesses.

Once all learning modules and assessment activities have been completed, course participants will receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment.

What does QLD Food Safety Supervisor training cover?

QLD Food Safety Supervisor training focuses on practical food safety knowledge that can be applied directly in the workplace. The aim is to give supervisors the confidence to oversee food handling practices and respond appropriately to food safety risks.

While the units of competency vary by sector, the core outcomes are consistent.

The Australian Institute of Food Safety (AIFS) provides a Food Safety Supervisor course that includes 19 interactive lessons:

Lesson 1 - Food Safety Laws & Responsibilities

Lesson 2 - Food Contamination & High-Risk Groups

Lesson 3 - Biological Contamination

Lesson 4 - Other Types of Contamination

Lesson 5 - Allergen Management

Lesson 6 - Cleaning & Sanitising

Lesson 7 - Maintaining Food Premises

Lesson 8 - Hand Washing

Lesson 9 - Personal Hygiene & Workplace Behaviour

Lesson 10 - Illness & Onsite Injuries

Lesson 11 - Time & Temperature Control

Lesson 12 - Receiving & Storing Food

Lesson 13 - Working with Food Safely

Lesson 14 - Serving Food Safely

Lesson 15 - Food Safety Programs

Lesson 16 - Identifying Food Safety Hazards

Lesson 17 - Monitoring, Controlling & Correcting Food Safety Hazards

Lesson 18 - Reporting, Investigating & Recording Food Safety Breaches

Lesson 19 - Food Safety Management

Each lesson is followed by a short multiple-choice quiz to confirm your understanding before you move on to the next topic.

Can you complete Food Safety Supervisor training online in QLD?

Yes. AIFS delivers nationally recognised Food Safety Supervisor training that can be completed online, making it a flexible option for people engaged in shift work or managing busy schedules.

The AIFS Food Safety Supervisor course meets Queensland training requirements.and is accepted by local councils. Online learning allows participants to study at their own pace, complete assessments remotely and access support throughout the 12-month enrolment period.

Learn more about the Food Safety Supervisor course.

How long does Food Safety Supervisor certification last in QLD?

In Queensland, a Food Safety Supervisor Statement of Attainment is valid for five years. After this time, recertification is required to remain compliant with FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A.

By keeping their certification up to date, Food Safety Supervisors can ensure their knowledge reflects current food safety standards and demonstrates your ongoing commitment to safe food handling practices.

Visit our dedicated page to learn more about QLD Food Safety Supervisor Recertification.

Ready to meet QLD food safety requirements?

Food Safety Supervisor (QLD) training is a legal requirement for many food businesses. With flexible online learning and clear assessment pathways, gaining certification is practical and achievable.

AIFS delivers online Food Safety Supervisor training aligned with Queensland Health requirements. Visit the course page to learn more, or contact us to discuss business enrolment options available for your organisation.