Food Safety Laws & Requirements for Established Businesses

If you're not managing food safety properly the consequences can be serious. Ensure that you're following the law and protecting both your customers and your business.

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 Food 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
It's not just the law you need to think about.Your customers may be suffering as unsafe food practices creep into everyday business activities.
Comply with all laws

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.
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Federal Legislation

The federal legislation is governed by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).Food Standard 3.2.2A sets the requirements for all food workers to have completed mandatory Food Safety Supervisor or Food Handler training.
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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 Food Standard 3.2.2A. 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Food Handler Course

This nationally recognised course meets all Food Handler training requirements as specified in Food Standard 3.2.2A.It's important that your employees are fully trained in all aspects of working with food safely including safe handling of food, preventing food contamination, cleaning and sanitising, and personal hygiene.Learn more about this course.
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Food Safety Supervisor Course

This nationally recognised course meets all Food Safety Supervisor training requirements as specified in Food Standard 3.2.2A.Every Australian business that serves food needs at least one nationally recognised Food Safety Supervisor on staff, responsible for the overall implementation and management of food safety.Learn more about this course.

Food Safety Compliance Checklist

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Train all Food Handlers

Ensure all Food Handlers receive food safety training that meets Standard 3.2.2A.
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Nominate a Food Safety Supervisor

Most food businesses in Australia must employ a qualified Food Safety Supervisor on their team.
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Do compliance-guaranteed training

AIFS food safety training is approved to meet all federal, state and local government legislation.
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Confirm your food sector

Confirm that your employees are doing the right courses for your industry sector.
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NSW Food Authority approved

Obtain your NSW Food Safety Supervisor Certificate when you complete the official AIFS Food Safety Supervisor course.
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Plan refresher training

All Food Safety Supervisors must hold a certificate issued within the last 5 years, and all Food Handlers must stay current too.