State requirements:
Queensland
Food Safety Laws
In Queensland, ensuring food safety isn’t just about serving up tasty dishes – it’s about playing by the rules. The Food Act 2006 lays down the law, demanding that all food sold in the state meets strict safety standards outlined in the Food Standards Code. This task is a joint effort involving Queensland Health and local councils, each with their roles in overseeing compliance.
Federal Regulations: Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code
Food businesses must also comply with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, governed by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
QLD Food Safety Supervisor and Food Handler Training Requirements
In December 2022, Food Standard 3.2.2A was introduced, requiring:
All licensed category 1 and category 2 food businesses to have at least one designated Food Safety Supervisor on staff at all times.
A food safety supervisor must be a person who is reasonably available to advise and supervise each food handler at a food business on a day-to-day basis. There may be more than one food safety supervisor for each food business.
All food handlers must have appropriate food safety skills and knowledge to handle potentially hazardous foods.
Food handlers must have completed a food safety training course or have skills and knowledge of food safety and hygiene matters commensurate with their work activities.
A food handler training course must include information on:
- safe handling of food
- food contamination
- cleaning and sanitising of food premises and equipment
- personal hygiene.
Queensland Health enforces this regulation, and businesses must ensure their Food Safety Supervisors have completed nationally recognised training courses from a registered training organisation (RTO) for the national competencies appropriate for their food sector.
State Regulations: Queensland Health
The Food Act 2006 is the primary state law regulating food safety in Queensland and across the entire country. It mandates that all food sold in the state meets the stringent safety and suitability standards outlined in the Food Standards Code.
Oversight is a joint effort between:
- Queensland Health (licensing, inspections, training)
- Local councils (on-the-ground monitoring and enforcement).
Local Council Enforcement
Local councils play a crucial role in enforcing both state and federal regulations.
Only Queensland Health or local government authorities have the authority under the Act to conduct unannounced inspections, request training documentation, issue fines, and even immediately shut down businesses posing serious public health risks.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Penalties for non-compliance may include:
- License suspension or cancellation
- Substantial fines
- Prosecution of proprietors and directors
- Public shaming through “name and shame” lists
- Seizure and destruction of food products
- Irreparable damage to a business’s reputation and brand
Maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the intricate web of food safety laws and regulations, and diligently adhering to them, is paramount for any food business operating in Queensland.
