SECTOR requirements:
Hospitality Food Safety
Training Requirements
From cafes and restaurants to catering services, pubs and hotels, maintaining food safety is essential not only to meet legal obligations but also to avoid penalties, closures, or damage to your business reputation.
Who Requires Training
All employees who handle, store, or come into contact with food or food-related surfaces in hospitality food businesses must be trained in food safety. This includes anyone responsible for cleaning equipment and utensils where food is prepared or served.
Below are the key training requirements under Food Code Standard 3.2.2A for hospitality businesses:
- Food Safety Supervisor (FSS): Every hospitality business that prepares and serves food must appoint at least one trained Food Safety Supervisor (FSS). The FSS plays a crucial role in ensuring food safety compliance, especially in high-risk environments such as kitchens. They help manage and mitigate food safety risks throughout the food preparation process.
- Food Handlers: All food handlers—those who prepare, store, or serve food—must complete food safety training or possess the skills and knowledge needed to handle high-risk foods safely.
We strongly recommend that all staff, not just kitchen and those directly involved in food handling, complete food handler training. In the fast-paced hospitality industry, every set of trained eyes helps maintain hygiene, prevent risks, and protect both customers and the business.
- New Employees: Food safety training should be an integral part of the induction process for new staff members. This ensures that they follow proper food safety procedures from the very beginning.
- Temporary or Seasonal Workers: Even short-term staff, including those hired during peak periods, must be trained in food safety to ensure consistency and compliance across the business.
- Supervisors and Managers: Those overseeing food preparation or serving practices, such as head chefs or kitchen managers, must also be trained in food safety to effectively manage risks and lead their teams in maintaining high standards.
- Delivery and Catering Staff: Employees responsible for food delivery, including catering staff handling off-site events, must be trained in food safety if they are involved in temperature control or food storage.
Food Safety Supervisor Training Requirements
Every hospitality business must have at least one designated Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) available during business hours.
The FSS must meet the following requirements:
- Recognised Training: The FSS must complete accredited training through a Nationally Recognised Training Organisation (RTO) that is specific to the hospitality industry.
- Current Certification: The FSS must hold a valid certification issued within the last five years to remain compliant.
- NSW-Specific Requirements:
- In New South Wales, training must be completed through an NSW Food Authority-approved provider.
- An FSS in NSW is also required to hold a separate NSW Food Authority Certificate in addition to their Statement of Attainment.
Our Food Safety Supervisor Training meets all compliance standards and is fully recognised by the NSW Food Authority.
Food Handler Training Requirements
Under Food Code Standard 3.2.2A, all food handlers must either:
- Complete a basic food handler course training course, or
- Demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge in food safety and hygiene.
Food handler training should cover critical areas such as:
- Safe food handling
- Preventing food contamination
- Cleaning and sanitising practices
- Personal hygiene
Our Food Handler Training is designed specifically for the hospitality sector, offering essential government-mandated content alongside industry best practices.
Units of Competency
Food Safety Supervisors: The Nationally Recognised Unit for the hospitality sector is:
- SITXFSA005 – Use hygienic practices for food safety
- SITXFSA006 – Participate in safe food handling practices
Food Handlers: Food handlers in the hospitality sector are not required to complete a Nationally Recognised Unit of Competency, but training should meet the requirements outlined in the Food Handler Training Requirements section above.
Training Expiry & Renewal
Food Safety Supervisor Training:
Expires 5 years from the issue date.
NSW: Recertification required with an approved NSW Food Authority provider.
Other States: Renewal by retaking the course.
Food Handler Training:
- Food Handler training does not expire.
- It is recommended to refresh every 1-2 years or after an incident.
FOOD HANDLER
Engaging Video Presentation with Subtitles & Multi-Choice Questions
All States
Food Handler Certificate - Retail & Hospitality
$49.95
Per enrolment
- Completely Online
- Video-based training
- Enrol and Access 24/7
- Certificate on Completion
FOOD SAFETY SUPERVISOR
Please select the State where you intend to work
NSW
SIRRFSA001
Handle Food Safely in a Retail Environment
$134
Per enrolment
- Nationally Accredited
- Online Training + 3rd Party Report
- Statement of Attainment on Completion
- NSW Food Authority FSS Certificate included
- Bonus: Customer Service Course
All Other
States
SITXFSA005 | SITXFSA006
Use hygienic practices for food safety
Participate in safe food handling practices
$99
Per enrolment
- Nationally Accredited
- Online Training + 3rd Party Report
- Statement of Attainment on Completion
- Bonus: Customer Service Course
Why Study With Us?
Bonus Customer Service Course Included Free!
Promoting Customer Service in the Hospitality Industry: Strategies to Create a Positive Dining Experience
This bonus course course provides valuable training in how to create a positive customer experience in a food service workplace and includes a certificate for your portfolio. You will learn:
- How to be polite to customers, and the easy steps we can take to achieve this
- How to listen to a customer, and the impact this has on their experience
- How to be attentive, and respond to the needs of your customer
- The importance of taking time with your customers
- How to express gratitude, and show your appreciation to your customers
- How to express gratitude, and show your appreciation to your customers
