Food Safety Supervisor - Frequently Asked Questions

• What and who is a Food Safety Supervisor (FSS)?
• How do I become a FSS?
• What are the different food sectors?
• What training does the FSS need?
• When the code changes, does the FSS need to do the training again?
• What happens if the FSS does not have a statement of attainment?
• What happens when a FSS changes food sector (for example, has completed training in the retail sector but then gets a job in health and community services)?
• Do all employees who handle food have to complete accredited food safety training?
• What’s the difference between FSS training and accredited food safety training?
• Where can I do a FSS course?
• Who can tell me what course I have to do?
• I have qualifications from overseas as a chef—do I have to do more training or a FSS course?
• Does the FSS have to be at the business all the time?

What and who is a Food Safety Supervisor (FSS)?

The Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) is a person nominated by the owner of a food business.

The FSS MUST:

• have the knowledge and authority to be able to supervise other people handling food in the business
• know how to identify a hazard
• take reasonable steps to make sure that the food business is free from hazards
• have completed accredited food safety training for the food sector that they are currently working in.

How do I become a FSS?

You must have successfully completed accredited training for the food sector in which you work.

This training must be with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). RTOs are authorised by Government to deliver training that is nationally recognised around Australia. RTOs include Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions and private companies, and all must meet nationally recognised standards of quality.

To be a FSS, you must have evidence from an RTO (a statement of attainment) to show you have completed the required units of competency.

What are the different food sectors?

The FSS must complete training for the food sector in which they work. There are four main food sectors as shown in the Table below.

Table 1

What training does the FSS need?

The table below outlines the units of competency that you MUST complete to become a FSS.

Table 2

When the code changes, does the FSS need to do the training again?

No. FSSs who completed training under the previous code do not need to train again in the current code. Either code is acceptable.

However, if the material covered in an earlier food handling qualification (pre-2001) is no longer considered valid (that is, the training did not cover all areas now required by law) you may have to do further training. An RTO will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding any further training needed.

What if I qualified as a food handler before the year 2001?

Food handling practices change over time, and the material covered in food handling qualifications awarded before the year 2001 may not cover all areas now required by law. If you hold such a qualification you may have to do further training to become a FSS. Ask an RTO for information.

Your previous training, knowledge and experience will be recognised by an RTO when you apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Current Competency (RCC). This means that you will not have to repeat training. You will only need to complete further training in the areas where you do not have the required skills and knowledge.

What happens if the FSS does not have a statement of attainment?

Every FSS MUST complete the relevant training for their food sector. If they have successfully completed this training, the RTO will provide them with a ‘statement of attainment’, stating the units of competency for the training they completed.

RTOs are required to keep records, so a copy can be requested if a statement of attainment has been lost.

The local council requires a statement of attainment if a food business is to meet the FSS requirement. If a statement of attainment cannot be produced, then a staff member must complete accredited training for the relevant food sector.

What happens when a FSS changes food sector (for example, has completed training in the retail sector but then gets a job in health and community services)?

The FSS must complete the appropriate units of competency for the health and community service food sector.

Many RTOs run ‘bridging’ courses, so previous training does not have to be repeated. For example, an RTO may offer a health and community services training course which delivers the required content not covered in the retail course. A statement of attainment would then be issued for the health course.

Alternatively, the FSS can apply for RPL and RCC to ensure that their prior training, and current knowledge and experience is recognised. The FSS will then only be required to complete training in the areas where they do not have the skills and knowledge required by law.

Do all employees who handle food have to complete accredited food safety training?

No.

Food handlers are required to know how to handle food safely for the job that they do. They can gain the skills and knowledge for the work they do in many ways, such as:

• on-the-job training
• food safety training
• reading information about food safety and food hygiene
• mentoring programs.

What’s the difference between FSS training and accredited food safety training?

FSS training (as per Table 2) is the minimum standard for FSS training in each food sector. The training is accredited and nationally recognised. Anyone can complete this training—you do not have to be a FSS.

Some RTOs advertise training as a ‘FSS certificate’ and others as ‘food safety training’. Remember, ask your RTO if you are enrolled in the right training for your food sector, and make sure you are completing units of competency with codes that correspond to those listed in Table 2.

Where can I do a FSS course?

Make sure you complete training for the food sector you work in with a Government-authorised and registered RTO. RTOs include Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions, private companies, some schools and industry associations.

You can search for RTOs in the Yellow Pages under 'Education and Training' or you can visit the Yellow Pages website.

You can also search the following websites:

• Short Courses Victoria
• Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
• Training.com.au
• Skills Victoria

Who can tell me what course I have to do?

Once you have identified what food sector you are in, and the training you need to complete, contact an RTO to discuss your options. Make sure you find an RTO that meets your needs. For example, some RTOs provide online delivery, or have classes outside business hours.

If you are unsure about which food sector you fall into, or what course you need to complete, contact your local council’s Environmental Health Officer.

To find your local council, visit the Local Government Victoria (LGV) website.

Alternatively you can contact the Department of Human Services, Food Safety and Regulatory Activities Unit:
Email: Foodsafety@dhs.vic.gov.au
Telephone: 1300 364 352

I have qualifications from overseas as a chef—do I have to do more training or a FSS course?

To be a FSS you must have a statement of attainment from an RTO for the food sector you are working in, or in which you intend to work. If you do not have a statement of attainment, you can contact an RTO and apply for RPL or RCC. Once you have a statement of attainment you can be the nominated FSS.

Even though your employer may accept your international qualifications as a chef, you cannot be the FSS for the business unless you have a statement of attainment from an RTO for the food sector in which you are working.

Does the FSS have to be at the business all the time?

No.

However, there must be a process in place to make sure that the FSS knows that food is being handled safely while they are not on site.

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