Food Safety

Food Safety Supervisor - frequently asked questions

What is a food safety supervisor?

A food safety supervisor is a person nominated by the owner of a class 1 or class 2 food premises to ensure safe food handling and hygiene practices are followed in the workplace.

The food safety supervisor 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 ensure that the food business is free from hazards
• have completed accredited food safety training for the food sector that they are currently working in.

Do all food premises need a food safety supervisor?

No, only class 1 and class 2 food premises need a food safety supervisor.

Food poisoning more commonly occurs when people consume "potentially hazardous food" such as meat, seafood, cooked main meals and sandwiches. In additional, persons with compromised or immature immune systems are at a greater risk of serious illness or death from food poisoning.

Class 1 and class 2 businesses therefore require a food safety supervisor. However a food safety supervisor is not required for class 1 and class 2 food premises which use a whole-of-business food safety program prepared under a recognised Quality Assurance (QA) system, and that program includes competency-based or accredited staff training. Such a system is an alternative means of educating staff about how to handle food safety.

Class 3 and class 4 food premises do not require a food safety supervisor as the nature of the food handled at those premises is not commonly associated with food poisoning. However, these businesses must still ensure that they maintain safe food handling practices.

All food premises (businesses and community groups) that sell food are legally required to ensure that it is safe for human consumption, regardless of the premises food safety supervisor requirements.

How do I become a food safety supervisor?

You must have successfully completed accredited training for the food sector you work in to become a food safety supervisor. This may include other relevant accredited training, for example chef's training.

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

To become a food safety supervisor, you must have evidence (a Statement of Attainment) from an RTO to prove you have completed the required units of competency.

What are the different food sectors?

A food safety supervisor must complete training for the food sector in which they work. There are four main food sectors, as shown in the Table 1 below.

Table 1

Food Processing	Retail and Hospitality	Health and community services	transport and distribution
Businesses such as small and large scale food product manufacturers, including: flour mills canneries packers bakers breweries wineries	The retail and hospitality sectors are considered the same. They include businesses such as: supermarkets convenience stores grocers delicatessens takeaways fast food businesses restaurants cafes hotels	The health and community services sectors are considered the same. They include businesses such as: hospitals childcare centres nursing homes hostels 'Meals on Wheels'	Businesses such as: warehouses

What training does the food safety supervisor need?

Table 2 below outlines the units of competency that must be completed for someone to become a food safety supervisor.

Table 2

	Food Processing	Retail and Hospitality	Health and community services	transport and distribution
Current unit codes meeting food safety supervisor training requirements	FDFCORFSY2A: Implement the food ssafety program and procedures OR	SIRRFSA001A: Apply retail food safety practices OR SITXOHS002A: Follow workplace hygiene procedures AND SITXFSA001A: Implement food safety procedures	HLTFS207B: Follow basic food safety practices AND HLTFS310B: Apply and monitor food safety requirements AND HLTFS309B: Oversee the day-to-day implementation of food safety in the workplace	Use relevant units from other sectors.
Previous unit codes meeting food safety supervisor training requirements	FDFCORFS2A: Implement the food safety plan	WRRLP6B/C: Apply retail food safety practices OR THHGHS01A/B: Follow workplace hygiene procedures AND THHBCC11A/B: Implement food safety procedures	HLTFS7A: Follow basic food safety practices AND HLTFS10A: Apply and monitor food safety requirements AND HLTFS9A: Oversee the day-to-day implementation of food safety in the workplace

If the training code changes, does a food safety supervisor need to redo their training?

No. Food safety supervisors who completed training under previous codes do not usually 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 food safety supervisor. 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 all training. You will only need to complete further training in the areas where you do not have the required skills and knowledge.

What if a food safety supervisor doesn't have a Statement of Attainment?

Every food safety supervisor 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 food safety supervisor 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 food safety supervisor changes food sector (i.e. completes training in the retail sector but gets a job in health and community services)?

A food safety supervisor must complete the appropriate units of competency for the sector they will be working in. The required food safety supervisor unit of competency for the retail sector can be transferred to the hospitality sector, and vice versa.

If you are switching between other sectors, 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 food safety supervisor can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) to ensure that their prior training, and current knowledge and experience are recognised. The food safety supervisor will then only be required to complete training in the areas they do not have the skills and knowledge that the law requires.

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 they do. They can gain the skills and knowledge they require in many ways, such as:

• on-the-job training
• food safety training
• reading information about food safety and food hygiene
• mentoring programs
• free online training through the Department of Health's Do Food Safely program. Go here to check it out.

What's the difference between food safety supervisor training and accredited food safety training?

Food safety supervisor training (as per Table 2) is the minimum standard required to become a food safety supervisor for each food sector. This training is accredited and nationally recognised. Anyone can complete this training — you do not have to be a food safety supervisor.

Some RTOs advertise training as a 'Food Safety Supervisor Certificate' and others as 'Food Safety Training'. Remember, ask your RTO if you are enrolled in the correct 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 food safety supervisor course?

Ensure you complete training for the food sector you work in with a government-authorised and registered RTO. RTOs include 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:

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

Who can tell me what course I should 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. 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 health unit.

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

Alternatively, you can contact the Department of Health's Food Safety Unit:
Email: foodsafety@health.vic.gov.au
Telephone: 1300 364 352

I have overseas qualifications as a chef. Do I have to do more training or a food safety supervisor course?

To be a food safety supervisor 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 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Current Competency (RCC). Once you have a "Statement of Attainment" you can become the nominated food safety supervisor for the business you work in.

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

Does a food safety supervisor have to be at the premises all the time?

No, they don't. However the food safety supervisor is expected to ensure that all staff members are aware of how to handle food safely at all times in their roles.

Further information

More food safety faqs are available at Frequently asked questions.