Government-Approved Food Safety Supervisor Course in the Northern Territory
In this blog, we’ll explore the Food Safety Supervisor course in the Northern Territory and how it ensures that food establishments in the region meet their legal requirements for food safety.
The Northern Territory is famous for its abundance of fresh seafood, such as barramundi and mud crab, with many restaurants and cafes along the water's edge proving popular with locals and tourists alike.
Recent research indicates that food service businesses in the Northern Territory capital, Darwin, have played a critical role in driving industry growth, with the number of people employed by the hospitality sector in the city jumping up by 12% in 2022 alone.
As the industry grows, so does the potential for businesses to neglect their food safety obligations. Any establishment that handles, prepares or serves food to the public in the Northern Territory is governed by regulations established by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), including Standard 3.2.2A.
Food Safety Supervisor training is essential in order to comply with this legislation.
Food Safety Laws and Supervisor Requirements in the Northern Territory
Although the FSANZ Food Standards Code is set at a federal level, each state or territory is responsible for enforcing these regulations through their own legislation. This multi-level approach means that the law can vary slightly depending on where in the country businesses are located.
In the Northern Territory, food safety is governed by the Food Act 2004 (NT) and enforced by NT Health. Much like the laws applied in other states and territories throughout Australia, the purpose of this legislation is to ensure that all food sold or produced in the territory is safe for human consumption in accordance with the FSANZ Food Standards Code.
Food businesses in the Northern Territory that fail to comply with food safety legislation could face the prospect of financial penalties, licence suspension and temporary closure depending on the severity of the violation.
To aid the enforcement of these regulations, the Northern Territory Government has adopted a classification system for businesses based on their perceived food safety risk. The system divides businesses into four groups:
- Priority 1 (P1) – Highest risk level
- Priority 2 (P2)
- Priority 3 (P3)
- Priority 4 (P4) – lowest risk level
The following factors are taken into account when classifying a food business:
- Food type and intended customer use
- Activity of the business
- Method of processing
- Customer base
It is important to note that the Northern Territory’s classification system differs from the FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A, which categorises food businesses into just two categories (Category 1 and Category 2).
Business owners should be aware of their business classification both at a federal and state/territory level to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
Food Safety Supervisor training requirements in the Northern Territory
In order to comply with FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A, food businesses operating in the Northern Territory must appoint at least one certified Food Safety Supervisor to monitor food safety procedures throughout their establishment. This person can be a business owner, manager or employee.
The Food Safety Supervisor is the primary point of contact for all food safety matters in the workplace. Key responsibilities include:
- Establishing a Food Safety Plan based on HACCP principles
- Implementing and monitoring food safety procedures
- Training and supervising Food Handlers
- Taking corrective actions to address any food safety incidents
- Maintaining accurate records of food safety practices
- Ensuring compliance with food safety legislation
Individuals who have been appointed as the designated Food Safety Supervisor for their workplace must be certified through the successful completion of a government-approved Food Safety Supervisor training program delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
To become a certified Food Safety Supervisor in the Northern Territory, you must achieve the units of competency associated with one of the following business sectors.
Retail:
- SIRRFSA001 - Handle food safely in a retail environment
Hospitality:
- SITXFSA005 - Use hygienic practices for food safety
- SITXFSA006 - Participate in safe food handling practices
Health & Community:
- HLTFSE001 - Follow basic food safety practices
- HLTFSE005 - Apply and monitor food safety requirements
- HLTFSE007 - Oversee the day-to-day implementation of food safety in the workplace
These are the only units of competency accepted by NT Health. If your workplace type sits outside of the categories listed above, you should instead choose whichever one of the three is most relevant.
Food Safety Supervisor course
The Food Safety Supervisor course in the Northern Territory provides the knowledge and skills required in order to successfully implement and oversee food handling operations. This training ensures that food businesses in the Northern Territory are perfectly positioned to achieve consistent compliance with Standard 3.2.2A.
Food Safety First offers an extensive program covering all the critical components of food safety. Topics include:
- Personal hygiene: importance of hand washing and maintaining impeccable Food Handler hygiene.
- Food handling and storage: best practices for the safe handling and storage of food, from delivery to service.
- Time and temperature control: implications of the Temperature Danger Zone (TDZ) in terms of food safety.
- Cleaning and sanitising: methods used to prevent cross-contamination.
- Food contamination: food-borne pathogens, high-risk foods, and the dangers of chemical and physical contamination.
- Food allergens: risks associated with food allergens and the strategies you can implement to manage them effectively.
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP): hazard management techniques that can be applied to your business.
- Managing food safety risks: effective strategies for identifying and mitigating potential food safety risks in your business.
- Food safety legislation: laws and regulations that govern food safety in the Northern Territory.
- Record keeping: significance of maintaining accurate records to demonstrate compliance.
Food Safety First customers have 24/7 online course access, allowing them to complete lessons and assessment activities at their convenience, anytime and anywhere.
The only physical tasks required are part of the Observer Report section of the course. The Observer Report is designed to assess practical skills through the successful completion of day-to-day tasks, such as hand washing. These tasks are performed in front of an observer (usually a co-worker or supervisor) who then submits a report to verify they have been completed to the required industry food safety standards.
The tasks used for observation can be historic but must have occurred on multiple occasions within the last 12 months under various conditions. If certain tasks from the observer report can't be done in your workplace, you can use role play to demonstrate your proficiency.
Once the final assessment submission is reviewed and of a satisfactory standard, participants will receive a Statement of Attainment via email within 1-2 business days. This document lists the units of competency achieved during the course and is valid for five years. To maintain certification, Food Safety Supervisors must complete the course again before their current certification expires.
It is crucial for students to keep the Statement of Attainment on file, as an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) may request it as proof of certification during routine inspections.
Your path to compliance
Food Safety First is on hand to help you comply with food safety regulations in the Northern Territory with a nationally-accredited Food Safety Supervisor Course that is recognised by the Australian government.
Enrol in the leading the Northern Territory's leading Food Safety Supervisor Course today to ensure full compliance with food safety regulations in the region. If you would like to know more about the course, simply get in touch with one of our advisors, they will be happy to help.
Important Links
Food Safety Supervisor Course (Level 1 & 2)
Food Safety Supervisor Course (Level 2)