Choosing the right Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) is an important decision for any food business. Whether you run a bustling café, a fine dining restaurant, or a large catering operation, your FSS is the cornerstone of your food safety system. They ensure your business complies with legal requirements, keeps customers safe, and maintains your reputation for quality and hygiene.
But this role may not fit everyone.
The right Food Safety Supervisor needs to combine proper training, strong leadership, and a keen eye for detail to ensure food safety standards are met every single day. So, how do you choose the perfect person for the job?
Responsibilities of a Food Safety Supervisor
Before you can pick a food safety supervisor, you have to understand the responsibilities of a Food Safety Supervisor. These include:
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know how to recognise potential food safety hazards of the business and ensure the risks are prevented or managed
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have skills and knowledge of food safety matters that are relevant to the business and share skills and knowledge to improve awareness of foodborne illness
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have the authority to supervise and give directions about food safety matters to other food handlers at the business
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help foster a positive food safety culture, where food safety is a top priority
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be reasonably available to be contacted while the food business is operating by
Who can be a food safety supervisor?
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.
Requirements to be a food safety supervisor
Beyond the above, the only requirement to be a food safety supervisor is to complete a Food Safety Supervisor course with a registered RTO. Completing the training means a person can successfully and satisfactorily demonstrate the skills and knowledge requirements of a food safety supervisor.
Training can be completed either through online training or face-to-face training.
After passing the training, the food safety supervisor should be able to meet the following requirements:
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Be able to recognise, prevent, and alleviate food safety hazards of the food business.
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Have the skills and knowledge in matters relating to food safety and relevant to the food business.
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Possess the authority to supervise and give directions about food safety aspects to people who handle food in the food business.
Want to know more? Check out our super handy guide.
Need to get a FSS certificate:
Who to pick?
To find a good Food Safety Supervisor, they must have these key skills:
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Knowledge and Certification: they need to have or get an accredited food safety supervisor certificate. Get advice on picking the right course.
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Attention to Detail: Food safety requires precision and thoroughness.
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Strong Leadership Skills: Ability to train, supervise, and manage staff effectively.
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Communication Skills: Clearly convey safety procedures to staff.
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Proactive Mindset: Someone who anticipates risks and solves issues before they escalate.
You should advise your local council about the appointed Food Safety Supervisor and any changes regarding that person.
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The name and contact details of the said supervisor within 30 days of the licence being issued.
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The name and contact details of any new food safety supervisors within 14 days of the person becoming a food safety supervisor.
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Any changes to the contact details of the food safety supervisor within 14 days of the change.
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Any food safety supervisor ceasing to be one (through resignation, termination, or other factors) within 14 days of the change.
