Foodservice operators have less than six weeks to bring their food safety requirements up to date, with new obligations taking effect on December 8, 2023.
Under Standard 3.2.2A, businesses that process unpackaged, potentially hazardous food and serve it ready to eat will be required to have a qualified on-site food safety supervisor (FSS), ensure that all food handlers are trained in food safety and hygiene, and be able to demonstrate that food is safe.
The updated requirements will strengthen food safety requirements and support public health and safety, said Dr. Sandra Cuthbert, CEO of Food Safety Australia New Zealand.
“The key changes to the standard are the requirements for training of food handlers and supervisors and the demonstration of key actions at critical points known to manage food safety risks,” Cuthbert said.
To become a certified FSS, food handlers must complete training through an approved training organization that delivers the state or territory’s FSS training course. Other food handlers must complete training and demonstrate an understanding of safe food handling, food contamination, cleaning and sanitizing food premises and equipment, and personal hygiene.
Andrew Lewis, CEO of Allara Global, emphasized the importance of this training as failure to comply with the new regulations could result in fines.
“We would like to remind managers and operators of restaurants, cafes, pubs and hotels that time is running out to train staff. It’s vital that food handlers are equipped with the latest information and essential food safety and hygiene skills,” said Lewis.
“Now is the time to train staff to ensure they are fully compliant before December 8 and ready for what will be a busy Christmas period in the hospitality industry,” he added.
In addition, businesses are required to keep records to demonstrate safe food handling, which must be kept for at least three months. Alternatively, businesses can prove their food safety management by demonstrating safe food management procedures or staff training to an authorized official, such as a food inspector.
“I am pleased that federal, state and territory governments are taking a collaborative approach to improving food safety standards across Australia and appreciate the cooperation of food businesses to ensure consumers continue to have high confidence in the safety practices of the food service and retail sector,” Mr Cuthbert concluded.
