Since December 2023, most category 1 and 2 businesses* must have a Food Safety Supervisor available during all hours of operation, who is ready at all times to:
dispense food safety advice
monitor and prevent hazards in the workplace
supervise food handling staff, and
deal with food safety emergencies and unexpected health inspections
Multiple Food Safety Supervisors may be required in the following circumstances to ensure adequate supervision can be provided and a Food Safety Supervisor is always contactable when:
there are large numbers of Food Handlers to supervise
the food business operates on multiple shifts
the food business operates across multiple sites
Since food businesses often operate long hours and may have more than one premises, they’re often advised to employ more than one Food Safety Supervisor.
For more information on the number of Food Safety Supervisors your business will need, please visit our dedicated article.
* Note for NSW: In New South Wales, school canteens, children's services, supermarkets, greengrocers, and delis have been granted a 12-month extension, until December 8 2024, to fulfil the new food safety requirements mandated by Food Standard 3.2.2A.
*Note for VIC: In Victoria, all Food Safety Supervisors who acquired their certification before December 8 2023, have until December 2028 to renew it.