Training

Food Handler Training

A food business must ensure that persons undertaking or supervising food handling operations have the necessary skills and knowledge of food safety and food hygiene matters that are required for their work activities.

There are several ways to achieve the skills and knowledge component of these standards. Skills and knowledge can be developed on the job, through Council’s free online I’M ALERT food safety training and by attending a food handler training course provided by a Registered Training Organisation.

I'M ALERT Food Safety Training

Council has subscribed to an online I'M ALERT Food Safety program that enables food handlers to complete training for FREE. By completing this interactive program, food handlers will have improved skills and knowledge that will enhance your business’s food safety practices.

Council encourages everyone involved in the food industry to complete this training program. It is also ideal for anyone in the community to improve your skills when cooking in the kitchen at home for family and friends.

The program includes:

• basic food safety principles (e.g. temperature control, food receipt, food storage, hygiene of food handlers etc.)
• interactive tasks and quizzes
• training acknowledgement form and certificate (assists a food business operator and staff to demonstrate skills and knowledge requirements).

Food Safety Supervisors

All licensed food businesses are required to nominate a food safety supervisor (FSS). Anyone working in a food business can be an FSS provided they meet the required competencies and are reasonably available at all times the business is operating. The FSS must have substantial experience in the food industry and have acquired extensive skills and knowledge relating to food safety, particularly in recognising, preventing and alleviating food safety hazards.

An FSS is required to take a lead role in supervising food safety in your food business. Apart from holding the required competencies, they must also:

• have the ability to supervise food handling practices in the food business
• be reasonably available at all times the food business is operating
• have the authority to supervise and give instructions to food handlers.

All new licensable food businesses are required to notify Council's Environmental Health team of their FSS details (this is to be within 30 days of the food licence being issued) by completing the below form. You must also notify the Environmental Health team of any changes to your FSS, or their contact details within 14 days of the change.

• Food Safety Supervisor – New, Amend, Remove form (online)
• Food Safety Supervisor – New, Amend, Remove form (PDF, 72.9 KB)