This depends on what you want to get out of your training.

If you want to learn how to prepare, handle and serve food safely, but not how to supervise an organisation's food safety, a Food Handler course is your best option to ensure you are up to date on the required skills and knowledge.

In Australia, Food Standard 3.2.2A sets out the training requirements for all Food Handlers. The official Australian Institute of Food Safety Food Handler Course is nationally recognised and meets all the Food Handler training requirements under Food Standard 3.2.2A.

If you wish to be employed as a business’s Food Safety Supervisor, you will need to complete a nationally recognised course that teaches you the safest ways to handle and prepare food, and also how to properly monitor and maintain safe food practices in a food business.

Even though a Food Safety Supervisor course is more extensive than a Food Handler Course, most Category 1 and 2 food businesses* require a Food Safety Supervisor by law (Food Standard 3.2.2A) to be available during their hours of operation.

Category 1 businesses include restaurants, cafes, takeaway food shops, caterers, hospitals, childcare centres, family day cares, bakeries, mobile food vendors, market stalls, supermarkets and service stations that make and serve food.

Category 2 businesses include supermarkets, delis, service stations, seafood retailers, market stalls, and convenience stores.

* Note for NSW: In New South Wales, school canteens, children's services, supermarkets, greengrocers, and delis have been granted a 12-month extension, until December 8, 2024, to fulfil the new food safety requirements mandated by Food Standard 3.2.2A.

* Note for VIC: In Victoria, all Food Safety Supervisors who acquired their certification before December 8 2023, have until December 2028 to renew it.