Since December 2023, most Category 1 and 2 food businesses in Australia* require a Food Safety Supervisor by law (Food Standard 3.2.2A) to be available during their hours of operation.
Category 1 businesses include restaurants, cafes, takeaway food shops, caterers, hospitals, childcare centres, family day cares, bakeries, mobile food vendors, market stalls, supermarkets and service stations that make and serve food.
Category 2 businesses include supermarkets, delis, service stations, seafood retailers, market stalls, and convenience stores.
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 number of Food Handlers to supervise
the food business operates on multiple shifts
the food business operates across multiple sites
* 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.