What is a Food Safety Supervisor?

A food safety supervisor takes a lead role in supervising food safety in a food business. A food safety supervisor must be ‘reasonably available’ at all times the business is operating and: 1. know how to recognise, prevent and alleviate food safety hazards of the food business; 2. have skills and knowledge in matters relating to food safety relevant to the food business; and 3. have the authority to supervise and give directions about matters relating to food safety to persons who handle food in the food business.

Under the Food Act 2006 (the Act), all licensable food businesses in Queensland must have a food safety supervisor. If a food business does not require a licence, it does not require a food safety supervisor. This includes the majority of non-profit organisations and other food businesses only selling packaged food, or low risk foods such as soft drinks or not potentially hazardous biscuits or cakes. The local government for the area where a food business is located can provide guidance on licensing requirements.

The recommended training for food safety supervisors is conducted by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). Training may be offered face-to-face or online.

For further information- https://www.health.qld.gov.au

The Queensland Department of Health has a variety of fact sheets with detailed information on food safety. These can be accessed at www.health.qld.gov.au. If you have any further questions relating to food safety supervisors, contact the local government for the area in which your food business is located.

For further information regarding dates and times please contact QLD Training Solutions on 07 4944 1551 during office hours. Monday -Thursday 8-4, Friday 8-3.