Food Handling Certificate in WA: Your Questions Answered
Every year in Western Australia (WA), thousands of people suffer from food-borne illness, with the worst cases resulting in hospitalisation or even death.
With food safety such a critical issue, anyone working with food in Western Australia has an important role to play in protecting public health - starting with effective food safety training.
Whether you’re starting a career in hospitality, working in aged care or serving food in a retail environment, getting the right training ensures that you handle food safely and legally.
This blog will walk you through obtaining a Food Handling Certificate in WA, including what the certificate is, why it’s required, what the training involves.
Why is Food Handling training required in WA?
Who needs a Food Handling Certificate in WA?
What does the Food Handling Certificate course involve?
How long does it take to complete the Food Handling Certificate course online?
What is a Statement of Attainment?
What is a Food Handler?
A Food Handler is anyone who prepares, handles or serves food as part of their job. This applies even if food handling is not your main responsibility. In Western Australia, Food Handlers work across industries including:
- Hospitality
- Health & Community
- Retail
- Transport & Distribution
- Food Processing
That means chefs, baristas, catering assistants, aged care workers, child care providers, supermarket staff and many others are considered Food Handlers under the law.
Why is Food Handling training required in WA?
Food-borne illness is a serious public health concern. In Australia, more than 4.6 million cases of food poisoning are reported each year, leading to over 47,000 hospitalisations.
Western Australia is no exception, with food businesses in the state required to comply with the Food Standards Code established by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
To meet these requirements, Food Handlers must have the right skills and knowledge to manage food safely. Food Handler training helps you understand:
- how food contamination happens
- which consumer groups are most at risk, such as infants and the elderly
- the importance of personal hygiene in food safety
- safe food storage, preparation and service practices
Completing a Food Handling Certificate in WA ensures you can meet these standards and reduce the risk of food-borne illness in your workplace.
Who needs a Food Handling Certificate in WA?
Anyone who handles food as part of their job should complete training. This includes:
- kitchen hands, cooks and chefs
- wait staff and bar staff
- supermarket and deli workers
- food delivery drivers
- child care and aged care workers
Even if food handling is only a small part of your role, training is required to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and to protect consumers, especially those in the vulnerable groups.
What does the Food Handling Certificate course involve?
Food Safety First is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) authorised to deliver nationally recognised training. The Food Handling Certificate course covers all essential topics needed to keep food safe, including:
- food safety laws and responsibilities
- types of food contamination
- food allergies and intolerances
- cleaning and sanitising
- personal hygiene and workplace behaviour
- safe food storage, preparation and service
- food safety programs and reporting responsibilities
The online course is interactive, with short lessons followed by quizzes to check your understanding. At the end, you’ll complete an Observer Report assessment, where a supervisor or manager confirms that you can carry out safe food handling practices in the workplace, such as hand washing and correct food storage.
How long does it take to complete the Food Handling Certificate course online?
The Food Handling Certificate course is designed to be flexible and streamlined. Most students finish the online lessons and assessments in 2 to 4 hours. However, you don’t have to do everything at once. You can log in and out at your own pace over a 12-month access period.
Many learners choose to complete the training and assessment activities in a single day, while others spread it out over several weeks to suit their schedule.
What is a Statement of Attainment?
When you successfully complete your Food Handler course, you’ll receive a Statement of Attainment. This is an official document that proves you have achieved the required unit of competency in food safety.
The unit of competency you are awarded will depend on the industry you select during your enrolment. The industry options that are recognised in WA are:
- Hospitality: SITXFSA005 Use hygienic practices for food safety
- Health & Community: HLTFSE001 Follow basic food safety practices
If you are unsure of which industry option to select, reach out to our team or contact your local council to confirm which industry is right for you.
Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) often request to see this certificate during inspections, so it’s important to keep a copy on file. Your employer may also require it as proof of training.
Get your Food Handling Certificate in WA today
Obtaining your Food Handling Certificate online in WA is the best way to make sure you’re prepared, confident and compliant when handling food in any workplace.
Enrol with Food Safety First today and gain the knowledge and skills to protect your customers and community with safe food practices.