Free 30-second checker
Do I need a Food Safety Supervisor?
Answer three quick questions and find out whether your food business needs a Food Safety Supervisor under Australia’s Food Standard 3.2.2A. No sign-up, nothing to download — your answers stay on your device.
Does your business handle unpackaged, potentially hazardous food?
That’s food needing temperature control to stay safe — e.g. cooked meals, meat, seafood, dairy, cooked rice or pasta, prepared salads, sandwiches and other ready-to-eat food.
Which state or territory is your business in?
Are you the owner, manager, or person nominated to be responsible for food safety?
Your result
This is general guidance based on Food Standard 3.2.2A — not legal advice. Always confirm the exact requirements for your business with your local council or state food authority.
Food Safety Supervisor requirements — FAQs
Who legally needs a Food Safety Supervisor in Australia?
Under Food Safety Standard 3.2.2A, most food businesses that handle unpackaged, potentially hazardous food must have at least one trained Food Safety Supervisor who is reasonably available. This covers the vast majority of cafés, restaurants, takeaways, caterers, aged care and childcare kitchens, food trucks and more.
What is "potentially hazardous food"?
It’s food that needs temperature control to stay safe — for example cooked meats, seafood, dairy, cooked rice and pasta, prepared salads, sandwiches and ready-to-eat meals. If your business prepares or serves food like this, you almost certainly need a Food Safety Supervisor.
Does every staff member need to be a Food Safety Supervisor?
No. The business needs at least one trained Food Safety Supervisor who is reasonably available. Many employers choose to train more than one person so there’s always a qualified supervisor across shifts.
How do I become a Food Safety Supervisor?
Complete the nationally recognised Food Safety Supervisor course (units SITXFSA005 & SITXFSA006). With Melbourne Tech Institute it’s 100% online for $99, with your certificate issued within one business day. Delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO #45799).
Is the requirement different in NSW?
Yes. In New South Wales you also need a separate NSW Food Safety Supervisor certificate in addition to the nationally recognised units. Contact us and we’ll add it for you (+$30) — it’s valid for five years.
Need to get qualified?
The nationally recognised Food Safety Supervisor course — 100% online, $99, certificate within one business day.
Enrol Now — $99 →