Training

Under Standard 3.2.2A of the Food Standards Code, retail food businesses handling and serving unpackaged, potentially hazardous food, must ensure their food handlers have appropriate skills and knowledge in food safety and hygiene.

Businesses can choose how food handlers are trained. They may use or recognise free online food safety training programs, past experience, internal training tailored to suit their own procedures, or courses from vocational training providers.

Additional training is not needed if food handlers can already demonstrate adequate skills and knowledge for their duties.

If opting for a food handler training course, it must cover:

• safe handling of food
• understanding of food contamination
• cleaning and sanitising of food premises and equipment
• personal hygiene.

There is no set timeframe or refresher period in the Standard. However, businesses must ensure food handlers’ skills and knowledge are adequate and up to date. It is good practice to schedule regular refresher training.

More information

For more information about requirements for food handlers, see:

• Food Standards Code Standard 3.2.2 - Food Safety Practices and General Requirements, clause 3
• Standard 3.2.2A – Frequently asked questions    
• Health and Hygiene for Food Handlers (PDF, 201 KB)