Food Safety in Canteens and Other Food Services

Food safety supervisor

Regardless of whether the canteen is required to have a food safety program, a class 2 canteen must have an appointed food safety supervisor with the training, skills and knowledge to ensure that:

• all regulations are followed
• anyone handling food has the correct training
• other food handlers are supervised to ensure food handling is done safely.

The food safety supervisor:

• does not have to always be on the premises, however, they must know how food is being handled when they are not present
• must have an active role in the canteen. If they leave the role or take an extended absence (for example, more than 30 days) the canteen must appoint a replacement within 30 operational days and notify the local council
• must be able to produce their Statement of Attainment provided by the training organisation, if requested to do so by the local environmental health officer from local council.

For information on the competency standards required for the canteens, seek the advice of the local council. For school operated canteens, it is recommended that school council seek written confirmation from the appointed food safety supervisor that necessary training has been obtained.

For more information, visit the Department of Health’s Food safety supervisors and How to become a food safety supervisor – FAQ (DOCX).