CFT 
Upcoming Changes in Australian Food Safety Regulations
How CFT Can Help Businesses Ensure Compliance and Consumer Well-being
Food safety is of paramount importance in the food service industry, ensuring the well-being and health of consumers. To further enhance food safety practices, new regulations will come into effect in Australia from 8th December 2023. These changes, outlined in the Food Standards Code, will have a significant impact on all food service businesses, including hospitality, retail, food processing, and health and community services. In this blog post, we will delve into the upcoming changes in detail and explore how CFT (a fully accredited national Registered Training Organisation) can assist businesses in complying with these new requirements.
Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) Certification:
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One of the key changes in the new regulations is the national requirement for Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) training. Previously, this training was only mandatory in specific states, but it will now be mandatory across Australia. This means that all food service businesses must have at least one certified Food Safety Supervisor. Additionally, FSS certificates will now have a validity of five years. After this period, individuals must either re-sit the entire qualification or complete a refresher course to renew their certification. It is crucial for qualified Food Safety Supervisors who completed their training before 8th December 2018 to update their certification this year to ensure compliance. CFT will offer Refresher Training for these Food Safety Supervisors.
Food Handler Training - Food Safety Level 1:
- To maintain high standards of food safety, the new regulations mandate that all food businesses throughout Australia must ensure that all individuals involved in food handling possess evidence of Food Safety Level 1 training or training for basic food handlers. This requirement extends to everyone working in the food preparation and service industries, including chefs, cooks, and kitchen staff.
- By providing comprehensive training in food handling and hygiene rules specific to their business, organisations can foster a culture of food safety and minimise the risk of contamination.
Substantiation of Critical Food Safety Controls:
- The upcoming regulations place a strong emphasis on comprehensive record-keeping as a means of strengthening food safety practices. Food service businesses will be required to maintain records of critical food safety controls for a minimum of three months. These records act as evidence of compliance during audits and inspections, ensuring transparency and accountability within the industry. Robust record-keeping practices help businesses identify areas for improvement, track potential issues, and maintain a high level of food safety.
How CFT Can Help
CFT, a trusted provider of approved Food Safety Training for over 25 years, is fully equipped to support businesses in meeting the new requirements. They offer a range of courses tailored to the specific needs of different industries, including hospitality, retail, food processing, and community and health services. These courses include both refresher programs and initial training to ensure that individuals stay up-to-date with the latest food safety practices.
Refresher Courses
CFT currently provides a Food Safety Supervisor Refresher course for Community & Health Services industries, encompassing sectors such as aged care, early childhood, hospitals, and disability services. CFT also offers a refresher course for Food Safety Level 1 in Community & Health Services. In addition, CFT will soon be launching refresher courses for Hospitality & Retail and Food Processing industries, as well as a Food Safety Level 1 Refresher course for both Community & Health Services and Hospitality & Retail sectors.
By enrolling in CFT's courses, businesses can benefit from condensed programs that cover the required learning elements and knowledge, allowing staff to efficiently update their certification. Furthermore, CFT will soon provide certificates with a five-year validity period, aligning with the new regulations and reducing the administrative burden of frequent recertification. CFT will remind people when their qualification needs to be reaccredited.
Food Safety Supervisor & Handler courses
As the implementation date of the new food safety regulations in Australia approaches, it is imperative for food service businesses to be proactive and ensure compliance by December 2023. This includes ensuring that Food Safety Supervisors possess up-to-date certification, training all staff in Food Safety Level 1, and maintaining comprehensive records.
Individual or Group Training Options
To ensure your business is prepared for the upcoming changes, CFT is here to help. As a fully accredited national Registered Training Organisation with over 25 years of experience, CFT offers a wide range of courses tailored to meet the specific needs of different industries. By enrolling in CFT's courses, you can benefit from their expertise and stay ahead of the curve when it comes to food safety.
Don't miss the opportunity to update your team's certifications and ensure your business is compliant with the new regulations. Speak to us about managing training for your group.
By taking this proactive step towards food safety excellence, you are not only safeguarding the well-being of your customers but also enhancing the reputation and success of your business.
Remember, December 2023 is just around the corner, so don't delay. Take action now and choose CFT as your trusted partner in achieving compliance and maintaining the highest standards of food safety.
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