Food Safety Supervisor Course for Tasmania

October 24, 2024

There are currently more than 1,000 cafés and restaurants in operation throughout Tasmania, offering a variety of freshly caught seafood and locally sourced produce enjoyed by residents and tourists alike. Recent census data shows that the café and restaurant industry is among Tasmania's top 5 employers, with 2.6% of the state’s population working in this sector.

In addition to bolstering the economy, Tasmania's food establishments play a crucial role in ensuring the health and wellbeing of consumers by adhering to strict food safety standards. Anyone who operates a café, restaurant, or other food business in Tasmania must follow food safety regulations set out by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and the Tasmanian Department of Health.

A key requirement under these regulations is the mandatory appointment of a Food Safety Supervisor who has completed their course through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) within the last five years.

In this blog, we will discuss the importance of nationally recognised Food Safety Supervisor training in Tasmania and outline what participants can expect once they have enrolled with Food Safety First.

Before we look at the Food Safety Supervisor course in more detail, let’s begin by outlining the various laws and regulations that necessitate it.

Why the Food Safety Supervisor Course in Tasmania is Essential for Compliance

In Australia, food safety legislation is applied at a federal, state and local level.

Federal Food Safety Laws and Regulations

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is responsible for developing and maintaining the Food Standards Code, which establishes the standards for food safety in Australia.

In December 2023, FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A became a part of the Food Standards Code, requiring food service businesses across Australia to have one or more Food Safety Supervisors on duty during food preparation and service periods. These staff members must be certified through the completion of an accredited Food Safety Supervisor course.

Although federally regulated, the Food Standards Code is enforced by individual states and territories. In Tasmania, this responsibility lies with the Department of Health.

Tasmanian Food Safety Laws and Regulations

The Tasmanian Department of Health enforces the Food Act 2003 (TAS) in an effort to ensure that all food served in the state is safe for consumption in accordance with the FSANZ Food Standards Code.

Food businesses in Tasmania must also register with the relevant enforcement agency. This typically involves submitting an application to the local council, which often requires proof of the appointed Food Safety Supervisor's certification.

What Are the Consequences of Non-compliance With Food Safety Laws?

Food safety regulations are essential for protecting the wellbeing of consumers and should not be ignored. Not only can non-compliance result in food-borne illness outbreaks, but it also leaves food businesses facing the prospect of legal action, fines, forced closures and reputational damage.

Legal Action

Non-compliance with legislation can lead to the Department of Health taking legal action against the offending business.

Fines

Financial penalties may be applied in response to each individual violation. These fines are cumulative and can easily add up to tens of thousands of dollars.

Forced Closures

If deemed serious enough, some violations may result in food businesses being forced to close and remain closed until food safety issues are resolved.

Reputational Damage

When food safety violations become public knowledge, a business may see its reputation damaged beyond repair, causing significant financial losses.

Why a Certified Food Safety Supervisor Course is Legally Required in Tasmania

Yes. In order to comply with FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A, businesses must appoint at least one designated Food Safety Supervisor. It is a legal requirement for these individuals to be certified through a government-approved Food Safety Supervisor course before taking on the position.

In the event of a Food Safety Supervisor vacating their role, the business has 30 days in which to appoint a replacement. As a result, while it is a requirement to have a minimum of one trained Food Safety Supervisor, it is recommended that each business employ best practice by having at least two staff with Food Safety Supervisor certification to accommodate staff annual leave, illness and turnover.

What Does the Food Safety Supervisor Course Cover?

Food Safety First is approved to deliver a nationally recognised Food Safety Supervisor course that equips individuals with the knowledge and food safety supervision skills required to successfully implement and maintain food safety standards throughout the workplace.

This detailed training program covers the critical elements of food safety across 19 interactive lessons.

Lesson 1 - Food Safety Laws & Responsibilities

Lesson 2 - Food Contamination & High-Risk Groups

Lesson 3 - Biological Contamination

Lesson 4 - Other Types of Contamination

Lesson 5 - Allergen Management

Lesson 6 - Cleaning & Sanitising

Lesson 7 - Maintaining Food Premises

Lesson 8 - Hand Washing

Lesson 9 - Personal Hygiene & Workplace Behaviour

Lesson 10 - Illness & Onsite Injuries

Lesson 11 - Time & Temperature Control

Lesson 12 - Receiving & Storing Food

Lesson 13 - Working with Food Safely

Lesson 14 - Serving Food Safely

Lesson 15 - Food Safety Programs

Lesson 16 - Identifying Food Safety Hazards

Lesson 17 - Monitoring, Controlling & Correcting Food Safety Hazards

Lesson 18 - Reporting, Investigating & Recording Food Safety Breaches

Lesson 19 - Food Safety Management

Each of these lessons is followed by a multiple choice quiz that must be completed before moving on to the next section. In addition to this, there are case studies, a reading activity and an Observer Report task to verify the knowledge participants acquire during the course.

For Food Safety Supervisor certification to be recognized by the Tasmanian Department of Health, it must include the units of competency related to Health & Community, Hospitality, or Retail industry stream (whichever is most relevant to the participant’s occupation).

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)

Hospitality:

SITXFSA005 (Use hygienic practices for food safety):
SITXFSA006 (Participate in safe food handling practices)

Retail:

SIRRFSA001 (Handle food safely in a retail environment)

After successfully completing the Food Safety Supervisor course, participants are awarded a Statement of Attainment outlining the units of competency achieved. This document is valid for five years and can be renewed by retaking the course before the expiry date.

How Do I Become a Certified Food Safety Supervisor in Tasmania?

Getting certified with a Food Safety Supervisor course in Tasmania ensures your business stays compliant and your customers stay safe.

Certification can be completed online. To get started, sign up for the Food Safety Supervisor course with Food Safety First. The entire course can be finished within eight hours, making it a convenient way to achieve compliance and maintain customer safety.

Want to know more about the Food Safety Supervisor training course? Contact us today and discover what Food Safety First can offer.