Quick Facts
- Food safety training is mandatory for all food handlers in Australia
- Every venue needs at least one Food Safety Supervisor on duty
- Certificates are generally valid for 5 years
- Foodborne illness costs Australia over $2 billion annually
Food Training with Job Trainer Australia
Australia upholds some of the world's most rigorous food hygiene and safety protocols, supported by comprehensive legislation, nationally mandated training, and ongoing upskilling programs. Yet, despite these measures, outbreaks of foodborne illness remain a challenge — impacting thousands each year and costing the economy over $2 billion annually, according to Food Standards Australia New Zealand.
Whether you are a chef, small business owner, market food vendor, or part of a catering team, fostering a strong food safety culture is essential for safeguarding public health and staying compliant with regulatory requirements.
Important Highlights
- National law now requires all food handlers to complete accredited food safety training to legally work in the sector.
- Every licensed hospitality venue must have at least one trained and certified Food Safety Supervisor on duty at all times.
- December 2023 brought in tightened Food Safety Standards for any business handling high-risk or potentially hazardous foods.
Meeting Australia's Legal Obligations
In line with the Food Standards Code, anyone handling, preparing, or serving food — or even managing food preparation equipment — must undertake approved food safety certification training.
What is HACCP?
HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) is the internationally recognised benchmark for risk management in food safety. For most Australian food businesses, maintaining a HACCP-aligned Food Safety Program is a legal requirement and a best practice for operational safety.
Who Requires a Food Handling Certificate?
Any role involving direct or indirect contact with food — including baristas, chefs, kitchen porters, servers, pastry cooks, caterers, and temporary event staff — must be trained in essential safety practices including personal hygiene, temperature control, allergy awareness, and contamination prevention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is food safety training mandatory in Australia? Yes, all food handlers must complete accredited food safety training to work legally in the food industry.
- How often must a Food Safety Supervisor certificate be renewed? Generally, every 5 years to remain compliant with state and territory regulations.
- Who needs to complete a Food Handling Certificate? Anyone with direct or indirect food contact, such as chefs, baristas, caterers, servers, and market stallholders.
- What is HACCP? HACCP is an internationally recognised system for identifying and controlling food safety risks in production and service environments.