In Victoria, most food businesses must have at least one designated Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) on staff at all times. Under the Food Act 1984, supervisors are required to hold a valid Statement of Attainment that was issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in the last five years.
| Legislation | Food Act 1984 (Vic), section 19C |
| Who needs a Food Safety Supervisor | Class 1 food businesses and most Class 2 food businesses |
| Certification required | Statement of Attainment from an RTO |
| Sectors | Hospitality, Retail, Food Processing, Health and Community, Transport and Distribution |
| Validity | Five years |
Online Food Safety Supervisor training is available through the Australian Institute of Food Safety (AIFS).
This blog covers Victorian Food Safety Supervisor requirements, the units of competency needed by common food sectors and how to complete your training online.
A Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) is a trained employee with the knowledge and authority to oversee food safety practices within a food business. The role carries real responsibilities - a FSS must be able to identify and manage potential food safety hazards, supervise staff in safe food handling practices and ensure the business complies with the Food Standards Code.
A Food Safety Supervisor must also be reasonably contactable during all food preparation and service periods. They are required to produce their Statement of Attainment on request during an inspection by an Environmental Health Officer (EHO).
Under section 19C of the Food Act 1984, the following food premises must appoint a designated Food Safety Supervisor:
Class 3 and Class 4 businesses, which deal with lower-risk food, are generally exempt. Your local council determines the classification of your premises. If you are unsure which class applies to your business, contact your local environmental health department for confirmation.
One exception: Community groups running food events for one or two days with predominantly volunteer staff are not required to appoint a Food Safety Supervisor.
Victoria recognises five food industry sectors, each with specific units of competency. Your training should match the sector that corresponds to your business's primary activities.
| Food industry sector | Units awarded |
| Hospitality |
- SITXFSA005 Use hygienic practices for food safety - SITXFSA006 Participate in safe food handling practices |
| Retail | - SIRRFSA001 Handle food safely in a retail environment |
| Food Processing |
- FBPFSY1002 Follow work procedures to maintain food safety - FBPFSY2002 Apply food safety procedures |
| Health & Community |
- HLTFSE001 Follow basic food safety practices - HLTFSE005 Apply and monitor food safety requirements - HLTFSE007 Oversee the day-to-day implementation of food safety in the workplace |
| Transport & Distribution |
- SITXFSA005 Use hygienic practices for food safety - SITXFSA006 Participate in safe food handling practices |
Does your business operate across more than one sector? Contact AIFS to confirm whether a single certification covers your obligations or whether additional units are required.
The AIFS Food Safety Supervisor certification process is straightforward. Here are four steps to follow:
Yes. Victoria permits Food Safety Supervisor certification to be completed online through a nationally recognised RTO. The only in-person component of the AIFS Food Safety Supervisor course is the Observer Report, which involves demonstrating practical food safety skills in your own workplace.
With AIFS, you can complete the Food Safety Supervisor course at your own pace with up to 12 months of access to course materials - practical for managers and supervisors juggling a busy schedule.
Getting your Food Safety Supervisor certification in Victoria is straightforward with online training through a nationally recognised RTO.
AIFS offers flexible, self-paced training that meets all requirements under the Food Act 1984, with a Statement of Attainment issued upon completion.
Start your Food Safety Supervisor course today to ensure you meet the relevant food safety training requirements in Victoria.
Q. How long is Food Safety Supervisor certification valid for in Victoria?
A. Your Statement of Attainment is valid for five years. Once this period has passed, you will need to renew your Food Safety Supervisor certification by completing refresher training through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
Q. What happens if my food business does not have a Food Safety Supervisor?
A. Not having a Food Safety Supervisor can result in non-compliance with the Food Act 1984. EHOs conduct routine inspections and can issue improvement notices or fines. Addressing this before an inspection is always the better path.
Q. Do I need to display my Statement of Attainment at my business?
A. You do not need to display it permanently, but you must be able to produce it on request by an Environmental Health Officer. Keep a copy at your premises at all times.