Every day at AIFS we get asked many questions from students who are unsure about what to look for in food safety training.
In this article, we will try and address some of the more frequently asked questions.
What Food Safety Training Do I Need?
In Australia, legislation is implemented at both a federal and state level.
The federal legislation in Australia states that anyone that handles food must be trained in food safety. This is governed by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) under Standard 3.2.2.
At AIFS, we offer both a Food Handlers Certificate and an Introduction to Food Safety course to help businesses meet the requirements of this Standard.
In many states and territories, there are additional requirements. For example, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Australian Capital Territory all have legislation in place that requires all food businesses to have a Food Safety Supervisor on staff at all times.
The training to be a Food Safety Supervisor requires participation in a short course that is nationally recognised and accredited, and that delivers units of competency specific to your industry.
Who Can Deliver Food Safety Supervisor Training?
Food Safety Supervisor Statements of Attainment can only be issued by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).
In New South Wales, only a select number of RTOs are authorised to provide Food Safety Supervisor training. These RTOs provide students with a New South Wales Food Authority certificate along with the Statement of Attainment. An Environmental Health Officer will ask to see both documents when inspecting the premises. The Australian Institute of Food Safety RTO is on the approved NSW list.
Is there a Practical Component of Food Safety Supervisor Training?
Yes. It is a legal requirement that Food Safety Supervisor trainees are observed practising food safety.
At AIFS we meet this requirement by providing our trainees with an Observer Report. This is a simple document that you ask someone at your workplace to complete stating that they have observed you do various tasks such as washing your hands correctly and following rules laid out in the food safety program.
Are there any Industry Specific Requirements for Food Safety Training?
Food Safety Supervisor training differs from industry to industry and it’s important that you get a Statement of Attainment with the codes specific to your industry. Always check that the training provider can deliver the units of competency codes that you need before signing up.
Retail
- SIRRFSA001 Handle food safely in a retail environment
Hospitality
- SITXFSA001 Use hygienic practices for food safety
- SITXFSA002 Participate in safe food handling practices
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
Food Processing
- FBPFSY1001 Follow work procedures to maintain food safety
- FBPFSY2001 Implement the food safety program and procedures
Transport & Distribution
- SITXFSA001 Use hygienic practices for food safety
- SITXFSA002 Participate in safe food handling practices
Note: Only the Retail and Hospitality Unit of Competency codes are recognised by the New South Wales Food Authority.
