New requirements in store for NSW food businesses
Published: 22 Aug 2023 1:34pm
The NSW Food Authority has advised of changes to the Food Standards Code, introducing new requirements for all businesses that prepare and serve food in NSW.
From Friday 8 December 2023, businesses that process unpackaged, potentially hazardous food, and serve it ready-to-eat, are required to have a qualified onsite Food Safety Supervisor, ensure all food handlers are trained in food safety and hygiene, and be able to show their food is safe.
Businesses that only slice, weigh, repack, reheat or hot-hold potentially hazardous food they have not made themselves, for example slicing fruit or reheating meals provided by a caterer, are required to have a qualified onsite Food Safety Supervisor, and ensure all food handlers are trained in food safety and hygiene.
The NSW Food Authority website has resources available for operators to assess what requirements need to be met and provides free basic training for staff to improve food safety.
The NSW Food Authority has a range of resources to help businesses prepare. Visit foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/safetytools where you will find the following:
- Standard 3.2.2A quiz for businesses
- Standard 3.2.2A – Frequently asked questions
- Information for Food Safety Supervisors
- Free Food Handler Basics training
- Rules for showing food is safe
The changes affect most retail and hospitality food businesses, as well as school canteens, childcare and OOSH services, charities and not-for-profits that regularly sell food, delis, supermarkets, coffee vendors and correctional centres.
Council’s Environmental Health Coordinator Sharomi Dayanand said “all businesses that prepare and serve food in Wagga Wagga and surrounds are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new food safety requirements to ensure they are prepared before the changes to the Food Standards Code take effect on 8 December”.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Food Authority helpline (8.30am to 5.30pm, business days) on 1300 552 406 or email food.contact@dpi.nsw.gov.au