In Victoria, a Food Safety Supervisor plays a vital role in ensuring that food businesses maintain high standards of food safety and hygiene. The Food Safety Supervisor is responsible for overseeing and managing food safety practices to ensure compliance with the Food Act 1984 and associated regulations. This role is essential in protecting public health and ensuring that food businesses operate safely and hygienically.

To meet regulatory requirements, food businesses in Victoria must appoint a Food Safety Supervisor with a valid Food Safety Supervisor certificate. This certification is obtained through completing this nationally accredited food safety training course. The course covers key topics such as safe food handling, understanding food safety hazards, and implementing effective hygiene practices. The training also includes assessments to verify that individuals have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage food safety effectively.

Responsibilities of a Food Safety Supervisor in Victoria

The Food Safety Supervisor’s primary responsibilities include developing and implementing food safety procedures, monitoring daily food handling practices, and ensuring that all staff members are trained in and adhere to these procedures. They also conduct regular checks to ensure that the food safety practices in the business meet legal requirements and address any issues that arise to maintain compliance with food safety regulations.

Course delivery and assessments

Our FSS course is delivered online and can be completed at your own pace over a three-month period. The course content includes all the learning outcomes from the Level 1 and level 2 food safety courses. 

The course includes both online and practical assessments. The online assessments are in the form of quizzes and can be done as many times as required. The practical assessment must be completed with a supervisor. The supervisor must complete and sign your supervisor report. 

A supervisor must have 12 months of experience working with food and can be:

• Someone you work with
• Someone you have worked with in the last 12 months
• Someone you volunteered with. 

It is important to ensure that the supervisor completing your report observes you doing everything listed on it on three separate occasions. 

We understand that it can be hard to find a supervisor if you are new to the industry or country. If this is the case, you can do the following:

• Ask a friend or family member in the food industry to sign off on your practical assessment. Just ensure you have at least 12 months of experience in the industry. 
• Get a list of local food-based charities from the council. Volunteer there and get one of the regular volunteers to sign off on your practical assessment. 

Food Safety Supervisor Skill Set Refreshers in Victoria

Your food safety supervisor certificate must be renewed every five years. You can either take a refresher or a full course to do so. Renewing your certification is important to ensure you are informed about changes in food safety regulations and best practices. 

Key Course Learning Outcomes

The following are the essential learning outcomes for the units of competencies included within this skill set. 

SITXFSA005 – Use hygienic practices for food safety

• Follow hygiene procedures and identify food hazards
• Report any personal health issues
• Prevent food contamination
• Prevent cross-contamination by washing hands

SITXFSA006 – Participate in safe food handling practices

• Follow food safety program
• Store food safely
• Prepare food safely
• Provide safe single-use items
• Maintain a clean environment
• Dispose of food safely