Food Safety Laws & Requirements for Established Businesses
Comply with all laws. All the time.
If you manage an established food business, you've probably got a Food Safety Plan in place and have your most senior staff trained in food safety.But did you know that FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A has changed the requirements for your business? Here are some ways it may impact you:
- Food Safety Supervisors must hold a certificate that's less than 5 years old
- All Food Handlers must meet stricter training requirements
- Rules around food safety documentation have been tightened
Know your Food Safety Laws
Food Safety is governed by two sets of legislation - state and federal. Both are enforced at a local council level by Health Inspectors.
Federal Legislation
The federal legislation is governed by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).Standard 3.2.2A sets the requirements for all food workers to have completed mandatory Food Safety Supervisor or Food Handler training.State Legislation
Each state has its own Food Safety Act that needs to be adhered to.This legislation often has additional requirements to those set out in the FSANZ standards. You must adhere to both state and federal legislation.Be aware of non-compliance penalties
Some of the worst food poisoning outbreaks in recent times have occurred from simple mistakes, such as someone not washing their hands properly.If your business causes a food-borne illness outbreak or is found to not be following food safety legislation the consequences can be dire.
Heavy fines
Fines for failing to comply can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some businesses have multiple charges raised against them at once.
Prosecution
Depending on how your food business is structured, you may be held personally liable for a food safety incident and be liable for prosecution.
Licence Issues
Based on the seriousness of the food safety offence you may be issued with a Show Cause Notice, have your licence suspended, or even worse, cancelled.
Business closure
If your food business is deemed a serious health risk to the general public, a Health Inspector has the power to close it down immediately.
Damaged reputation
The media frequently report food safety scandals. It can be difficult for a food business or manager to recover their reputation after a food safety incident.
Remorse
Sadly, one lingering effect of a food-borne illness outbreak is the feeling of remorse if customers fall seriously ill or lose their lives.Food safety training requirements for your staff
All employees in your food business must be trained in food safety. AIFS offers two nationally recognised courses designed to meet state and federal requirements:
