Updates to Safe Food Australia standards

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has updated Safe Food Australia to incorporate Standard 3.2.2A Food safety management tools, which will come into effect December 2023.

This updated guidance is part of a suite of initiatives developed with states and territories to support strengthened food safety in the service and retail sector to benefit consumers and protect public health and safety.

The standard requires local government and food businesses to implement either two or three food safety management tools in addition to already existing Chapter 3 obligations, based on food handling activities. The three tools are food safety supervisor, food handler training and substantiation of critical food safety controls.

The standard also includes changes to the requirements for training food handlers and supervisors and substantiating key actions at critical points known to manage food safety risks.

Food businesses have until 8 December 2023 to implement the changes required by the standard. More information is available here.

Businesses are encouraged to contact their local enforcement authority for further information about compliance with the new standards.

Image credit: iStock.com/dusanpetkovic