Standard 3.2.2A - Food Safety Management Tools
In December 2022, the Australian Government amended the Food Standards Code to include a new Food Safety Standard 3.2.2A - Food Safety Management Tools. Businesses will need to follow the new standard from 8 December 2023.
What changes have occurred?
Under the new standard, businesses will be categorised depending on the type of food handling activities carried out. Depending on the categorisation, some businesses will need to implement food safety management tools.
Categorisation
Businesses falling within categories one and two will be required to implement food safety management tools. Businesses which do not fall within categories one and two are unaffected by the changes.
| Category |
Description |
| Category one |
Businesses that make and serve potentially hazardous foods to consumers for immediate consumption. This would include businesses such as cafes, restaurants, takeaways, pubs and childcare centres. It is expected that the majority of businesses licensed by Council would fall within category one. |
| Category two |
Businesses that minimally handle, but do not make, potentially hazardous ready-to-eat food before its retail sale. This would include businesses such as service stations (where they reheat and sell unpackaged food such as pies and sausage rolls) and some supermarket delis (that do not also cook chickens). |
| No category |
The food safety management tools do not apply to businesses which only handle food at fundraising events, or which do not sell food by retail (e.g. food manufacturers). |
New food safety management tools
Mandatory food handler training
Food businesses must ensure that each food handler has the required skillset. This includes completing a food safety training course, or having the required skills and knowledge in food safety and hygiene. Free food handler training is provided through Council.
Certified Food Safety Supervisor
Food businesses must appoint a certified Food Safety Supervisor. This person must have attended an approved training course within the past five years.
Substantiation of Compliance
Food businesses must maintain records or show via other means that they comply with prescribed provisions.
The food safety management tools applying to each category are summarised in the table below.
Food safety management tools
|
| Categorisation |
Example business types |
Mandatory food handler training |
Certified Food Safety Supervisor |
Substantiation of compliance |
| Category one |
Cafe, restaurant, takeaway |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Category two |
Deli, service station |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| No category |
Fundraising event, food manufacturer |
No |
No |
No |
What does this mean for my business?
Businesses will receive a letter containing their indicative category, and this will be confirmed during the next Council inspection. The letter will contain information to assist businesses in complying with the food safety management tools applicable to their business.