FOOD SAFETY SUPERVISOR REQUIREMENTS
Every food business, with the exception of those businesses that only sell low risk, packaged food, is required to have a nominated Food Safety Supervisor (FSS).
The nominated FSS will need to successfully complete an accredited FSS course at a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). However, if the business is a community organisation or a not-for-profit organisation, the training is not mandatory. Council will advise the business if they are exempt from the FSS training.
If the FSS has left the business, a new accredited FSS will need to be appointed or a current employee could undertake the relevant training to become one. In some cases, it may be more suitable if the owner/proprietor of the business completes the training, so if the FSS leaves, then there is still a qualified person at the business.
The new FSS is required to send a copy of their certificate to the Health Services Unit at the City. This certificate should state the name of the RTO, the employees name and the course code.
The frequency or duration of time that the FSS has to be at the premises will differ for each business, due to the nature of that business. During an inspection of the premises, the Environmental Health Officer or Food Safety Officer will need to be satisfied that the FSS knows how to recognise, prevent and alleviate the hazards associated with the handling of food and has the ability and the authority to supervise other people handling food and ensure that the handling is done safely.
Some proprietors may have confused the FSS Training Course with many food handling courses that they may have previously done and feel they already posses this qualification. However, the FSS Course focuses more on food safety supervision and generally providing skills to adequately implement Food Safety Programs.
For information regarding RTOs and Course Codes, click on the link below-
CONTACT DETAILS
Health Services
Phone: (03) 5227 0411
Fax: (03) 5227 0375
Postal Address: PO Box 104 Geelong Vic 3220
