Practical Food Safety Assessment: What Is an Observer Report?

When completing a Food Safety Supervisor or a Food Handling Certificate course, you must complete a practical food safety assessment known as an Observer Report. Understanding what this assessment involves and how to prepare for it is essential to successfully demonstrating your practical skills during your food safety training.

In this guide, we’ll explain what the Observer Report is, how it works, and what you need to do to pass your food safety assessment with confidence.

What Is an Observer Report?

The Observer Report is a mandatory assessment in both the Food Safety Supervisor Course (Level 1 & 2) and the Food Handling Certificate Course (Level 1). It is designed to evaluate your ability to apply food safety principles in a real-world setting.

Unlike written exams, this part of the assessment requires you to perform specific food handling tasks while being observed by a nominated person. The observer will complete a report based on your performance, ensuring that you meet industry standards.

The person you decide to nominate can be your manager or supervisor, a colleague, a family member or a friend so long as they meet all of the below criteria. 

Your nominated observer must:

• Have a minimum of 12 months of food handling experience.
• Be able to observe you complete a range of food safety tasks.
• Currently be employed within a food handling job role in Australia.

This person must have relevant industry experience and be able to verify that you have demonstrated the required skills.

How Does the Observer Report Process Work?

The Observer Report includes a checklist of food safety tasks that must be completed under supervision. Your observer will watch as you perform these tasks and assess whether you are following correct procedures.

Common tasks in the Observer Report include:

• Identifying food safety hazards.
• Following hygiene, cleaning and sanitising practices.
• Demonstrating safe food storage and temperature control.
• Preventing cross-contamination.

Each task must be completed multiple times within the past 12 months, ensuring that your knowledge is applied consistently in a real-world setting. Some assessments may involve simulated tasks if necessary.

Sector-Specific Requirements

The tasks you will be assessed on depend on the food industry sector you are working in. Below are some key areas covered in different versions of the course:

Food Processing

• Safe food handling
• Food preparation
• Food monitoring
• Cleaning and sanitising practices
• Reporting food or hygiene hazards

Health & Community

• Personal hygiene
• Safe food storage
• Food disposal practices
• Handling complaints
• Pest reporting

Hospitality

• Receiving goods
• Food display practices
• Thermometer use
• Reporting personal health issues
• Pest control

Retail & Transport

• Safe food storage
• Packaging and transporting goods
• Cleaning and sanitising
• Reporting unsafe work practices
• Temperature control

Food Safety First will supply the specific Observer Report checklist based on your industry and email it to your observer once they have been nominated within your student registration.

4 Essential Tips for Completing Your Observer Report

1. Practise Hygiene, Cleaning and Sanitising Procedures

Hand hygiene and cleaning protocols are critical. Ensure that you:

• Wash hands correctly for at least 20 seconds.
• Use disposable towels or air dryers.
• Clean and sanitise all food contact surfaces thoroughly.

2. Master Food Storage and Temperature Control

Food safety assessments often include temperature checks and storage procedures. Key points to remember:

• Keep cold foods below 5°C and hot foods above 60°C.
• Separate raw and cooked foods.
• Label and date all food items following FIFO (First In, First Out).

3. Be Confident in Identifying Food Safety Hazards

You must demonstrate hazard identification skills, such as:

• Checking food packaging for damage or contamination.
• Ensuring personal protective equipment (PPE) is used correctly.
• Recognising improper food handling practices.

4. Stay Calm and Focused During the Assessment Process

It is normal to feel nervous when completing tasks under observation, but staying calm will help you perform at your best. Take your time, follow best practices and ask your observer if you have any doubts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During an Observer Report

To ensure you pass the food safety Observer Report without issues, avoid these common mistakes:

• Rushing through tasks: Accuracy is more important than speed.
• Ignoring hygiene protocols: Always wash hands and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Failing to document actions: Record temperatures, cleaning schedules and food labels properly.

Ready to Get Certified?

Successfully completing the food safety Observer Report is a critical step in obtaining your Food Safety Supervisor or Food Handling certification. With preparation and practice, you can confidently demonstrate your food safety knowledge and skills to the required standard.

Whether you are preparing for the Food Safety Supervisor or Food Handling Certificate course, now is the time to start practising your practical skills. 

Food Safety First is approved to deliver Food Handler and Food Safety Supervisor training programs in every state and territory. Enrol in one of our food safety training courses today and take the next step towards meeting your Standard 3.2.2A compliance requirements.

Need help finding the right course for you? Get in touch with our team, they will be happy to assist.