In Australia, anyone who handles, prepares, or sells food in a business setting needs to understand food safety regulations, and in most cases, hold a food safety or food handling certificate. Here’s a breakdown of who may require it:

1. Food Handlers

  • Chefs, cooks, and kitchen staff: People involved in preparing or cooking food in restaurants, cafes, or commercial kitchens.
  • Waitstaff: Those who handle food, even indirectly (e.g., serving meals or setting up plates).

2. Food Safety Supervisors

  • Designated persons responsible for monitoring and ensuring food safety standards are upheld in food businesses. All food businesses must have at least one food safety supervisor.

3. Food Retail Staff

  • Employees working in grocery stores, supermarkets, or delis who handle unpackaged food.

4. Home-Based Food Businesses

  • People who run food businesses from home, including caterers or bakers selling goods online or at markets, need to comply with local council requirements, which may include a food safety certificate.

5. Event or Temporary Food Stall Operators

  • Those running food stalls at events, markets, or festivals may need a food safety certificate, depending on local council regulations.

6. Childcare and Aged Care Workers

  • Staff preparing meals in childcare centres, schools, and aged care facilities are often required to hold a food safety certificate to ensure vulnerable populations are protected.

7. Volunteers

  • In some cases, volunteers working in community kitchens or preparing food for charitable events may need to meet food safety requirements, though exemptions sometimes apply.
    

How can you get a food safety certificate?

CTA Training Specialists offers a range of food safety certificates. Whether you require a food safety supervisor certificate, just a food handlers certificate or something in between.
Not sure where to start?
Talk to one of our friendly team members today