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 What is a ‘Food Safety Supervisor’? |
A Food Safety Supervisor, for a food business is a person who:
a) knows how to recognise, prevent and alleviate food safety hazards of the food business; and
b) has skills and knowledge in matters relating to food safety relevant to the food business; and
c) has the authority to supervise and give directions about matters relating to food safety to persons who handle food in the food business. |
| Who can be a Food Safety Supervisor for my food business? |
The Food Safety Supervisor for a food business may be the proprietor or an employee, provided they meet the requirements of a Food Safety Supervisor prescribed in the Food Act 2006. For a small food business, it may be appropriate that the owner is the Food Safety Supervisor. |
| Why do I need to have a Food Safety Supervisor? |
Having a Food Safety Supervisor is a legal requirement of the Food Act 2006. This requirement has been in effect since 1 July 2008.
Having a Food Safety Supervisor adds to the onsite level of protection for the day-to-day food safety of the business as Food Safety Supervisors have the experience and/or expertise relevant to the licensable food business. They are also able to supervise and give directions about food safety to other staff in the food business ensuring a high standard of food safety.
Your business is required to have a Food Safety Supervisor in order to participate in the public display of your Eat Safe Brisbane star rating at the business premises and on the Eat Safe Brisbane website. |
| Who is required to have a Food Safety Supervisor? |
Under the Food Act 2006, all licensable food businesses are required to have a Food Safety Supervisor. There are some food businesses that sell food which are not required to be licensed under the Food Act 2006. Businesses that fall into this category include the majority of community non-profit organisations such as sausage sizzles and cake stalls. This is because these food businesses tend to only sell low risk or not potentially hazardous foods such as soft drinks, biscuits or cakes. |
| What is meant by a Food Safety Supervisor being required to be “reasonably available”? |
The Food Act 2006 requires the Food Safety Supervisor to be reasonably available while the business is operating. What this means is the Food Safety Supervisor must be within mobile call range during the hours when food handling is being conducted at the business. For businesses that operate on a 24/7 basis, there may need to be a shift arrangement in place to ensure this requirement is met. Council strongly recommends that a Food Safety Supervisor is at the premises whenever food handling is being undertaken.
When the Food Safety Supervisor is not at the premises in person, there should be a documented mechanism in place to ensure directions about matters relating to food safety are available to persons who handle food.
A Food Safety Supervisor is not required to be ‘reasonably available’ when the business is operating but no food handling is being undertaken. For example, a sporting club kitchen closes at 9pm but the club remains open until 11pm for entertainment activities. A Food Safety Supervisor would not be required for the period after 9pm even though the business is open. |
| How do I nominate a Food Safety Supervisor with Council? |
Council is making it easier for food businesses to meet their legal requirements by simplifying the process for nominating your Food Safety Supervisor. If you believe you or a nominated person(s) can meet the Food Safety Supervisor requirements, you can fill out and submit a completed nomination form to Council, along with the $69 processing fee (payable to Brisbane City Council). Completed Food Safety Supervisor nomination forms can be sent to:
Brisbane City Council
Compliance and Regulatory Services
Environmental Health
GPO Box 1434
Brisbane QLD 4001
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| How much is the application fee to nominate a Food Safety Supervisor? |
The processing fee to nominate a Food Safety Supervisor is $69.00. |
| Why are there no training requirement/s for Food Safety Supervisors? |
Council requires that Food Safety Supervisors meet the requirements of the Food Act 2006. Guidelines prepared by Queensland Health encourage Food Safety Supervisors to undertake training in food safety and management practices. However, this is not a legal requirement. Council accordingly, is therefore unable to require that Food Safety Supervisors receive training.
Council however strongly recommends that Food Safety Supervisors undertake training to provide a higher level of protection for the food business. If you would like further information regarding Food Safety Supervisor training, please visit www.ntis.gov.au, a helpful training and education resource provided by Federal and State Governments.
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| I have previously had my Food Safety Supervisor nomination rejected by Council because I/my employee did not meet the Food Safety Supervisor training requirements. How can I be assured that my application will be successful this time? |
Council has recently reveiewed the requirements for nominating a Food Safety Supervisor and has taken steps to ensure the process is easier and simpler for food businesses. To accept your Food Safety Supervisor nomination, all Council requires from you is to fill out and submit a completed nomination form to Council, along with the $69 processing fee (payable to Brisbane City Council). You are no longer requried to provide to Council RTO (or any other training certification) with your Food Safety Supervisor nomination. |
| Will Council reimburse me/my business for the Food Safety Supervisor I/my staff members have undertaken? |
Unfortunately, Council is unable to offer any reimbursements for costs incurred by you/your business in undertaking Food Safety Supervisor training. The investment you have undertaken will potentially assist your business in achieving a higher star rating under the Eat Safe Brisbane scheme. |
| What happens if I don’t submit a Food Safety Supervisor nomination form to Council? |
Failure to nominate a Food Safety Supervisor with Council is an offence against the Food Act 2006. This requirement has been in effect since 1 July 2008. This may result in Council taking further enforcement action including the issuing of notices and on the spot fines.
If Council has not received your Food Safety Supervisor nomination application, your business will be unable to display a star rating as part of the Eat Safe Brisbane scheme. To display an Eat Safe Brisbane food safety star rating (which commences in November 2010), Council must have on record your nominated Food Safety Supervisor |
| Where can I obtain further information? |
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