Frequently asked questions

Image_Hospitality_05.pngDo I need a Food Safety Supervisor?

Under the Food Act 2006, every licensable food business in Queensland will be required to have a Food Safety Supervisor by 22 February 2008. New food businesses licensed after 22 February 2008 are required to notify their local government within 30 days of the issue of their license. There are penalties for not having a Food Safety Supervisor.

Who can be a Food Safety Supervisor and what is their role?

Anyone, including the business owner, license holder, employee or an external contractor can be a Food Safety Supervisor for a business provided they meet the required competencies and are reasonably available at all times the business is operating.

A Food Safety Supervisor 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; and
  • have the authority to supervise and give instructions to food handlers.

What training does a Food Safety Supervisor need?

A Food Safety Supervisor must have a statement of attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for the competencies identified below or have demonstrated to an RTO that they have the prior skills, experience or training to meet these competencies.

  • Food Sector National Competency Code Competency Title
  • Retail & Hospitality
  • THHGHS01B Follow workplace hygiene procedures
  • THHBCC11B Implement food safety procedures
  • Transport & Distribution
  • THHGHS01B Follow workplace hygiene procedures
  • THHBCC11B Implement Food Safety Procedures

Note: Competency codes and titles are set by the National Quality Council (Dept of Education, Science and Training) and may change from time to time.

The list below provides examples of the types of food businesses that fall into the above food sectors:

  • Food Processing Retail & Hospitality Health & Community Services Transport & Distribution
  • Supermarkets Hospitals Warehouses
  • Convenience stores Childcare centres Bulk food distribution centres
  • Grocers, Nursing homes
  • Delicatessens Hostels
  • Restaurants Meals on wheels
  • Hotels Catering for Hospitals, Nursing Homes, etc
  • Ice manufacturing Take-away & cafes
  • Catering for private functions
  • Regular markets & stalls

What is considered ‘reasonably available' for a Food Safety Supervisor?

The Food Act 2006 requires a Food Safety Supervisor to be reasonably available at all times the business is operating in case they need to be contacted by the local government or a food handler. Contact also includes being able to supervise food handling operations of the business if issues arise that cannot be resolved by other forms of contact.
There is no specific requirement to have one (1) Food Safety Supervisor for every store location but they must be reasonably available as described above. If in doubt, discuss the situation with your local government.

Do I need to notify anyone about my Food Safety Supervisor?

Yes, if you are required to have a Food Safety Supervisor you must notify the local government who issues your license of the details of your Food Safety Supervisor (within 30 days of the license being issued). You must also notify the local government of any changes to your Food Safety Supervisor, or their contact details within 14 days of the change.
There are penalties for not fulfilling your notification requirements.

Further information

If you have any questions regarding Food Safety Supervisor, contact your local government who issues your license.

*Additional cost may be applicable for travel if 100km outside Brisbane.