Quick answerIf your business prepares and serves unpackaged, potentially hazardous, ready-to-eat food — cafes, restaurants, takeaways, caterers and many retailers — yes. Under Food Safety Standard 3.2.2A (in force since 8 December 2023), Category 1 and Category 2 businesses must appoint a certified Food Safety Supervisor who is reasonably available, and make sure food handlers are trained. Category 1 businesses must also keep records of key food safety controls.
Category 1 vs Category 2
| Category 1 | Category 2 |
|---|
| Who | Caterers and food service businesses that process unpackaged potentially hazardous food into ready-to-eat food (cafes, restaurants, takeaways, caterers) | Retailers that handle unpackaged potentially hazardous ready-to-eat food but didn't make it (e.g. a deli slicing and selling cold meats) |
| Certified Food Safety Supervisor | Required | Required |
| Food handler training | Required | Required |
| Record keeping (substantiate critical controls) | Required | Not required |
What Does a Food Safety Supervisor Do?
- Supervises and advises food handlers on safe food handling
- Makes sure food safety risks are managed day to day
- Is reasonably available to advise staff whenever food is handled
- Holds a Food Safety Supervisor certificate obtained within the last 5 years from a registered training organisation or an organisation recognised by the relevant food authority
How to Become a Food Safety Supervisor
1
Complete the FSS units
For hospitality businesses, the Food Safety Supervisor skill set is SITXFSA005 Use hygienic practices for food safety and SITXFSA006 Participate in safe food handling practices. See our Food Safety Supervisor course.
2
Receive your certificate
Your Statement of Attainment is issued once a qualified assessor deems you competent, typically within 24–48 hours of submitting all assessments (business hours).
3
Keep it current
Your FSS certificate must have been obtained within the last 5 years. Diary the date so you can recertify in time.
NSW Has Extra Rules
NSW has required Food Safety Supervisors for years. In NSW, the FSS certificate must be issued by an RTO approved by the NSW Food Authority. Job Trainer Australia is listed with the NSW Food Authority for Food Safety Supervisor training — see our NSW Food Safety Supervisor course and NSW FSS recertification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Food Safety Standard 3.2.2A?
A national food safety standard that applies to food service, catering and retail businesses. Since 8 December 2023, Category 1 and 2 businesses must have a certified Food Safety Supervisor, trained food handlers and, for Category 1, records of key food safety controls.
Does every cafe need a Food Safety Supervisor?
Most cafes prepare and serve unpackaged ready-to-eat food, which makes them Category 1 businesses — so yes, they need a certified Food Safety Supervisor who is reasonably available.
How long is a Food Safety Supervisor certificate valid?
Under Standard 3.2.2A, the certificate must have been obtained within the last 5 years. In NSW, the FSS certificate also needs to come from an RTO approved by the NSW Food Authority.
What units make up the Food Safety Supervisor course?
For hospitality, the skill set is SITXFSA005 Use hygienic practices for food safety and SITXFSA006 Participate in safe food handling practices.
Does the Food Safety Supervisor have to be on site all the time?
The standard says the FSS must be reasonably available to advise and supervise food handlers. Many businesses train more than one FSS to cover rosters.
What's the difference between a Food Handler and a Food Safety Supervisor?
Food handlers need basic food safety training or equivalent skills and knowledge. The Food Safety Supervisor holds a certificate and supervises food handling. See our Food Handler vs FSS guide.
Can I do Food Safety Supervisor training online?
Yes. Job Trainer Australia delivers the Food Safety Supervisor skill set online, including a NSW-specific course listed with the NSW Food Authority.
Get Your Food Safety Supervisor Certificate
SITXFSA005 + SITXFSA006 online. NSW course listed with the NSW Food Authority.
JTA
Job Trainer AustraliaRTO 45742 · ASQA Regulated · Nationally Recognised Training · 1300 020 615 · info@jta.edu.au
Sources: Food Standards Australia New Zealand — Standard 3.2.2A · NSW Food Authority — FSS training organisations