Changes for cafes, restaurants and retail outlets
31 August 2023
Important changes are coming to NSW food standards. These changes mean that there will be new food safety requirements for food service, cater and related businesses across NSW.
These changes will need to be implemented by 8 December 2023.
About the changes
The new Standard, which will come into effect in December, means some food businesses will need to implement either two or three new food safety management tools.
Below, we have listed the category of businesses and the number of tools soon required. You will also find a list of the 3 food management tools you may need.
Food business categories
Category one: Includes businesses that process and serve food that is potentially hazardous and ready-to-eat. For example: restaurants, takeaways, cafes, mobile food vendors, caterers, bakeries, childcare centres and school canteens.
How many food management tools will I need? All 3.
Category two: Includes businesses that sell food they have not made or processed (except for only slicing, weighing, repacking, reheating or hot-holding) that is potentially hazardous and ready to eat. For example: delis, supermarkets, service stations and seafood retailers.
How many food management tools will I need? Tool 1 and 2.
The 3 food management tools
Tool 1: Have a qualified Food Safety Supervisor reasonably available to supervise food handlers. We have some more information about Food Safety Supervisor requirements below.
Tool 2: Ensure all food handlers are trained in food safety and hygiene, or can demonstrate adequate skills and knowledge.
Tool 3: Keep a record of important food safety information or be able to show their food is safe.
Changes to Food Safety Supervisor requirements
Looking at the above you may have noticed there are upcoming changes to Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) Requirements.
Currently, NSW and Australian food laws require certain businesses in the hospitality and retail food service sector to have at least one trained Food Safety Supervisor per premises as well as basic food handler training for all staff who handle food.
As of 8 December, the following businesses which are currently exempt from needing an FFS will need one to be able to legally serve and supply food to the public.
- Charities and not-for-profit organisations that sell food on an ongoing basis
- School canteens
- Childcare services, including out of school hours care
- Correctional centres
- Delicatessens
- Supermarkets.
What is a Food Safety Supervisor?
A Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) is a person who is formally trained to recognise and prevent risks associated with food handling in food businesses.
- hold a current NSW Food Authority FSS certificate (no more than 5 years old)
- not be an FSS for any other food premises or mobile catering business
- be able to trains and supervises other people in the business about safe food handling practices
- have the authority and ability to manage and give direction on the safe handling of food.
How does someone become a Food Safety Supervisor?
To become a Food Safety Supervisor, a person must complete vocational education and training. This training will need to be updated every 5 years. The NSW Food Authority has a list of approved registered training organisations that can offer training to become a FSS.
To find out if your business will require a FFS by the 8 December, you can use this helpful tool.
If you have any questions about owning a food business call Council's Environmental Health Officers on 02 6670 2400.