The continuous development of online learning technology is making food safety education more accessible than ever. In this blog, we’ll explain how online Food Handler training is transforming food safety education throughout the Australian food industry.
But before we get into the benefits of online learning, let’s discuss the importance of Food Handler training as a whole.
Why Is Food Handler Training Important?
More than 4 million cases of food poisoning are reported each year in Australia, resulting in approximately 31,000 hospitalisations and 86 deaths. Food businesses and their employees must do their utmost to prevent these incidents from occurring through the safe handling, preparation and service of food.
Food Handlers have a particularly important role to play in this. These individuals are expected to understand the common causes of food-borne illnesses and take appropriate action in order to mitigate them.
To ensure that adequate food handling procedures are being followed within food establishments across Australia, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) requires anyone who works with food to be trained in food safety.
Not only does Food Handler training safeguard the wellbeing of consumers, but it also creates career opportunities for the food industry personnel that participate in it.
The Australian Institute of Food Safety (AIFS) provides a comprehensive course that enables Food Handlers to develop essential food safety skills that can be applied to various roles throughout the industry, enhancing their employability and career progression prospects.
Certified Food Handlers are integral to the success of any food business, which makes them very employable within many food-related industries such as hospitality, food production and health. Although a blend of soft skills and technical capabilities will be taken into consideration by potential employers, a solid understanding of food safety practices will often be a prerequisite for employment.
Food Handler training also acts as a useful foundation for Food Safety Supervisor certification, which requires further training.
The New Era of Food Safety Training
The food industry is a busy hive of constantly evolving activity, making it difficult for business owners and employees to find the time to stay up-to-date with the latest food safety standards and training requirements.
Technological advancements have paved the way for businesses to transition from traditional classroom-based learning to online training programs such as those offered by the Australian Institute of Food Safety. These online courses provide a flexible, convenient and intuitive environment aligned to the fast-paced lifestyles of today’s students.
Flexibility and Accessibility
The online Food Handler course offered by AIFS provides immediate access upon enrolment, allowing students to begin learning right away, at a time and place that suits them.
The program takes just 3-4 hours to complete, making it possible to achieve certification within a single day. However, participants are granted 12 months’ access to the course, allowing them to spread things out if needed – an ideal option for those with busy work schedules.
Engaging and Comprehensive Curriculum
The AIFS Food Handler course features a government-approved curriculum designed to impart a solid understanding of food safety. The training is divided into a series of interactive lessons, a case study and an Observer Report. Topics include:
- Hand washing
- Food allergies
- Biological contamination
- Food contamination and high-risk groups
- Serving food safety
- Cleaning and sanitising
- Personal Hygiene and workplace behaviour
- Illness and onsite injuries
- Time and temperature control
- Other types of contamination
- Food safety laws and responsibilities
- Food safety programs and reporting responsibilities
- Working with food safely
This curriculum is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of food safety, ensuring that you can conduct food-handling tasks safely and responsibly.
Interactive Learning With Immediate Assessment
Online Food Handler training allows you to interact with course material through interactive quizzes and case studies. After completing each lesson in the AIFS Food Handler course, you must take a multiple-choice quiz before proceeding to the next section. This approach not only solidifies your understanding of the topics covered but also enables you to monitor your progress throughout the course.
Sector-Specific Training
AIFS offers sector-specific Food Handler courses that encompass the relevant units of competency for Food Processing, Hospitality or Health & Community. This guarantees that the skills and knowledge you acquire directly apply to your role.
- Hospitality: SITXFSA005 - Use hygienic practices for food safety
- Health & Community: HLTFSE001 - Follow basic food safety practices
- Food Processing: FBPFSY1002 - Follow work procedures to maintain food safety
Nationally Recognised and Industry Compliant
AIFS is a Register Training Organisation (RTO) authorised to deliver Food Handler training that provides participants with the skills and knowledge required by law in Australia.
After completing the online Food Handler training program, you will be awarded a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment detailing the units of competency achieved as part of the course.
No Prerequisites, Open to All
Anyone is welcome to enrol in the AIFS Food Handler training program; prior experience or qualifications are not required. However, a fundamental grasp of language, literacy, and numeracy is necessary to participate in the course successfully.
From a technical standpoint, you only need a modern web browser and an email address to get started. The course is compatible with most devices, making it easy to start learning immediately with minimal setup.
Easy Enrolment and Fast Certification
Online Food Handler training is designed to be as efficient as possible so that you can quickly fulfil your commitment to food safety and its legal obligations.
Enrolment for the AIFS Food Handler training program can be completed online in a matter of minutes, and once registered, most students can finish the course in 3-4 hours. Your Statement of Attainment is awarded via email within 1-2 business days, making certification quick and easy.
Register With AIFS Today
Online Food Handler training is not just a convenient option; it also provides a comprehensive understanding of food safety protocols and how to apply them.
AIFS delivers a nationally recognised Food Handler course that empowers you to develop the knowledge and expertise required by law. With professional Food Handler training under your belt, you will be able to recognise potential hazards, understand how they arise, and select the best course of action for mitigating them.
Enrol today or contact us for help finding the right Food Handler course for you.
