Working in the food service industry requires dedication to hygiene and safety standards, and that’s where a food safety supervisor certificate becomes essential. As of December 2023, Food Standards Australia & New Zealand require the implementation of new food safety standards. This means that those in roles that involve the handling of unpackaged food may be required to hold a valid food handler or food safety supervisor certificate.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about the food safety supervisor certificate, including why they are important, who needs one, where to complete your Food Safety Supervisor Course, and how to get yours, state by state.
What is a food safety supervisor?
A food safety supervisor is a qualified individual responsible for ensuring food safety practices are applied in a food service business. They are trained to recognise and prevent food safety hazards, ensuring compliance with local regulations. Duties of a food safety supervisor typically include monitoring food preparation, identifying risks, and implementing corrective actions to maintain hygiene and safety.
Having a qualified food safety supervisor in a business aims to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and protect both your customers and the business’ reputation.
Who is required to have a food safety supervisor certificate?
A varety of businesses that handle, prepare, or serve food are required to have at least one person with a valid food safety supervisor certificate ‘reasonably available’ at the premises on any given day. This can include, but is not limited to:
- Restaurants, cafes, and catering businesses.
- Takeaway outlets, food trucks, and mobile food vendors.
- Supermarkets or bakeries with in-house food preparation.
- Childcare centres, aged care facilities, and other institutional kitchens.
Mulitiple food safety supervisors can work at the one business at the same time. Check with your state or territory’s laws for more information.
What are the responsibilities of a food safety supervisor?
A food safety supervisor has several responsibilities within a business. These include:
- Helping to foster a culture where food safety is a top priority
- Being reasonably available by both food handlers at the business and the local government from which the business is licensed, while the food business is in operation
- Knowing how to recognise when there are potential food safety hazards at the business, and then ensuring that the risks are prevented and/or managed
- Having the skills and knowledge on food safety matter relevant to the business, and sharing these skills and knowledge with staff to improve awareness of foodborne illness
- Having the authority to be able to supervise food handlers and give directions relating to food safety matters to staff at the business
Why should you consider obtaining a food safety supervisor certificate?
Having a food safety supervisor certificate can open up many job opportunities in the food industry. With many businesses now require their staff to have a food safety supervisor certificate, having one can increase your chances of being hired by these businesses. Here are some other reasons why you may wish to consider obtaining a food safety supervisor certificate:
- Demonstrates your commitment to ensuring food safety and preventing foodborne illness
- Enhances your skills and knowledge on food safety matters, making you a valuable asset to any food business
- Allows you to confidently supervise and train other staff members on food safety practices
- Keeps you up-to-date with the latest food safety laws and regulations, ensuring that your business is meeting all necessary requirements
Having a food safety supervisor certificate not only benefits your own career, but also helps contribute to the overall improvement of food safety standards within the industry. By obtaining this certification, you are demonstrating your dedication to upholding food safety practices and preventing potential risks.
Furthermore, having a food safety supervisor certificate can help protect the reputation of your business. With proper training and knowledge, you can ensure that all food handling and preparation is done in a safe and hygienic manner, reducing the risk of causing foodborne illnesses to customers. This can also lead to an increase in customer satisfaction and loyalty, making them feel confident in the safety of your food products.
How do I get a food safety supervisor certificate?
The steps for obtaining a food safety supervisor certificate can differ depending on the state or territory you reside in. For example, some places across Australia allow students to complete their food safety supervisor certificate online while others may require the course to be completed in a face-to-face setting.
Here are the steps for obtaining a food safety supervisor certificate across different states and territories:
How do I get a food safety supervisor certificate in Queensland?
To become a certified food safety supervisor in Queensland, follow these steps:
- Find a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that provides the Food Safety Supervisor Course. This can be done by searching the National Training Register for relevant providers.
- Enroll in your Food Safety Supervisor Course. In Queensland, the Food Safety Supervisor Course can be completed online or face-to-face.
- Successfully complete the approved training.
- Once you successfully complete the course, the RTO will issue you with your food safety supervisor certificate.
How do I get a food safety supervisor certificate in Victoria?
Becoming a food safety supervisor in Victoria can be achieved by following these steps:
- Find an RTO that provides the Food Safety Supervisor Course. This can be done by searching the National Training Register for relevant providers.
- Enroll in your Food Safety Supervisor Course. The course for the food safety supervisor certificate Victoria can be completed online or face-to-face.
- Successfully complete the approved training.
- Once you successfully complete the course, the RTO will issue you with your food safety supervisor certificate.
How do I get a food safety supervisor certificate in New South Wales?
To obtain the food safety supervisor certificate NSW, follow these steps:
- Find an RTO that provides the Food Safety Supervisor Course. This can be done by searching the National Training Register for relevant providers.
- Enroll in your Food Safety Supervisor Course. The course for the food safety supervisor certificate NSW can be completed online or face-to-face.
- Successfully complete the approved training.
- Once you successfully complete the course, the RTO will issue you with your food safety supervisor certificate.
How do I get a food safety supervisor certificate in Western Australia?
To obtain the food safety supervisor certificate WA, follow these steps:
- Find an RTO that provides the Food Safety Supervisor Course. This can be done by searching the National Training Register for relevant providers. Express Online Training has partnered with Streamline Training to provide the Food Safety Supervisor Online WA course.
- Enroll in your Food Safety Supervisor Course. The course for the food safety supervisor certificate WA can be completed online or through face-to-face learning.
- Successfully complete the approved training.
- Once you successfully complete the course, the RTO will issue you with your food safety supervisor certificate.
How do I get a food safety supervisor certificate in South Australia?
Becoming a food safety supervisor in South Australia can be achieved by following these steps:
- Find an RTO that provides the Food Safety Supervisor Course. This can be done by searching the National Training Register for relevant providers.
- Enroll in your Food Safety Supervisor Course. It’s possible to complete the food safety supervisor course online or through face-to-face training in South Australia.
- Successfully complete the approved training.
- Once you successfully complete the course, the RTO will issue you with your food safety supervisor certificate.
How do I get a food safety supervisor certificate in the Australian Capital Territory?
Becoming a food safety supervisor in the ACT can be achieved by following these steps:
- Find an RTO that provides the Food Safety Supervisor Course. This can be done by searching the National Training Register for relevant providers.
- Enroll in your Food Safety Supervisor Course. It’s possible to complete the food safety supervisor course online of face-to-face in the ACT.
- Successfully complete the approved training.
- Once you successfully complete the course, the RTO will issue you with your food safety supervisor certificate.
How do I get a food safety supervisor certificate in the Northern Territory?
To become a certified food safety supervisor in the NT , follow these steps:
- Find a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that provides the Food Safety Supervisor Course. This can be done by searching the National Training Register for relevant providers.
- Enroll in your Food Safety Supervisor Course. In the Northern Territory, the Food Safety Supervisor Course can be completed online or face-to-face.
- Successfully complete the approved training.
- Once you successfully complete the course, the RTO will issue you with your food safety supervisor certificate.
How do I get a food safety supervisor certificate in Tasmania?
To become a certified food safety supervisor in Tasmania , follow these steps:
- Find a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that provides the Food Safety Supervisor Course. This can be done by searching the National Training Register for relevant providers.
- Enroll in your Food Safety Supervisor Course. In the Northern Territory, the Food Safety Supervisor Course can be completed online or through face-to-face learning.
- Successfully complete the approved training.
- Once you successfully complete the course, the RTO will issue you with your food safety supervisor certificate.
How long is a food safety supervisor certificate valid for?
The exact amount of time a food safety supervisor certificate is valid for differs depending on the state/territory. Below is a breakdown of the certificate validity periods in each region of Australia:
How long is a food safety supervisor certificate valid for QLD?
In Queensland, a food safety supervisor certificate is valid for 5 years. After this time, the certificate will need to be renewed by completing a refresher course.
How long does a food safety supervisor certificate last in Victoria?
In Victoria, a food safety supervisor certificate is valid for 5 years. To renew it, you’ll need to complete a refresher course once it expires.
How long is a food safety supervisor certificate valid for NSW?
The food safety supervisor certificate NSW is also valid for 5 years. After the validity period, individuals must complete a refresher course to renew their certificate.
How long does a food safety supervisor certificate last in Western Australia?
In Western Australia, a food safety supervisor certificate is valid for 5 years. After this time, the certificate can be renewed by completing a refresher course.
How long is a food safety supervisor certificate valid for in South Australia?
In South Australia, a food safety supervisor certificate is valid for 5 years. Once the certificate expires, individuals must complete a refresher course to renew it.
How long does a food safety supervisor certificate last in the ACT?
The food safety supervisor certificate ACT is valid for 5 years. After this time, individuals must complete a refresher course to renew their certificate.
How long is a food safety supervisor certificate valid for in the Northern Territory?
In the Northern Territory, a food safety supervisor certificate is valid for 5 years. To renew it, individuals must complete a refresher course once the certificate expires.
How long does a food safety supervisor certificate last in the Tasmania?
The food safety supervisor certificate Tasmania is also valid for 5 years. After this time, individuals must complete a refresher course to renew their certificate.
If you’re undertaking the role of a food safety supervisor at your place of employment, you must ensure that your certificate is always valid and up-to-date. This means keeping track of the expiry date and completing the necessary steps to renew it before it expires.
It’s important to stay updated on food safety regulations and practices in order to maintain a safe and hygienic workplace. Renewing your food safety supervisor certificate demonstrates your commitment to ensuring the health and wellbeing of customers.
In addition, having an up-to-date certificate can also benefit you professionally by showing potential employers or clients that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to oversee food safety in their establishment.
To ensure uninterrupted compliance, set reminders well in advance and check with your training provider for available refresher courses.
Why choose Express Online Training for your Food Safety Supervisor Online WA course
Express Online Training has partnered with Streamline Training to provide the Food Safety Supervisor Online WA course. This course is available as either a fully-online option, or as an online + Perth classroom practical option.
For the Online Course option, students will be required to be in their workplace with a supervisor available, and have access to both a food preparation area and a commercial kitchen. The Online Learning & Assessment segment of this course takes approximately 12 hours, and can be completed at your own pace. The Practical Demonstration section of the course takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete, and will need to be conducted in the workplace with your supervisor, with assessment evidence uploaded to the online portal.
For the Online Course + Perth Classroom Practical Assessment option, students will need to complete their Online Learning & Assessment segment online. They will then be required to book a session to complete a face-to-face practical assessment, which should take 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete.
Students have 3 months from their enrolment date to complete the WA Food Safety Supervisor Course. The course can be fit in around work and other commitments, with the flexibility of online learning.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive a Statement of Attainment for SITSS00069 – Food Safety Supervision Skill Set – which includes both SITXFSA005 – Use hygienic practices for food safety, and SITXFSA006 – Participate in safe food handling practices.
This course is valid for work in Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, the Northern Territory, the Australian Capital Territory, and Tasmania. The Streamline Training WA Food Safety Supervisor Course can also be paid for in 4 interest-free instalments with Afterpay.
Ready to become a food safety supervisor? It’s as simple as finding an RTO in your state and enrolling in an accredited course. If you’re still a little unsure about the steps you need to take to get your food safety supervisor certificate, reach out to your local food authority or industry body for more information.
By earning your food safety supervisor certificate, you’re not only helping to ensure the safety of your business and customers, but also opening up career opportunities in the food industry. Many establishments require at least one person on each shift to hold this certification, making it a valuable skill to have in the industry.
In addition, having a food safety supervisor certificate can also demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards of hygiene and safe food handling practices, which is becoming increasingly important in today’s society. This can, therefore, set you apart from others in the industry and make you a more desirable candidate
Start your journey to becoming a certified food safety supervisor today! With the convenience of online learning and the flexibility to fit your studies around your schedule, the Food Safety Supervisor Course can be a great option for those looking to advance their career in the food industry.
