Even though there are many similarities between the two, Food Safety Supervisor and Food Handler are two different positions. Under FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A there are different training requirements for each and different levels of responsibility in the workplace. Almost all food organisations are legally required to have at least one nationally recognised Food Safety Supervisor on their team.
A Food Handler is exactly that, someone who handles food as part of their position. Whereas a Food Safety Supervisor is someone that handles food, supervises food handling staff, maintains the Food Safety Program, and makes sure the best food safety practices are used.
When it comes to training, a Food Handler Course is not as involved or extensive as a Food Safety Supervisor Course. Food Safety Supervisors learn all of the information in a Food Handler course, and they also learn the skills and knowledge that go along with being able to supervise food safety in an organisation. While Food Handlers have to know how to update the Food Safety Plan of an organisation, it’s the Food Safety Supervisor who is responsible for its overall maintenance.
How do you know which course is right for you?
Food safety is an important consideration for all food organisations. Protecting your organisation from contamination and reducing the risk of food poisoning are top priorities on the list of reasons why you might decide to take a food safety course, or request your staff members to take one. However, selecting the course that is right for you can be difficult.
If you have to do a food safety course but you’re not sure which one is right for you, check out this handy guide.