Food Safety Deadline Looming for Hospitality

Hospitality operators are being reminded they have less than six weeks to ensure their Food Safety requirements are up to date, and to help business owners meet their obligations, a new suite of training courses has been launched. 

Under Australia New Zealand Food Standards, all new food safety regulations must be implemented by 8 December 2023. 

According to Standard 3.2.2A, businesses will need to complete two or three food management tools, which cover regulations around food safety supervisors, food handler training, and record keeping for food. 

Online Training Provider Allara Global has launched a Food Safety Compliance suite to help operators complete necessary training. The suite includes six courses covering the essential food safety compliance requirements including Basic Food Safety for Food Handlers. 

Allara Global CEO Andrew Lewis said failure to comply with new food safety regulations can lead to fines, which vary depending on the state or territory in question, and the type and severity of the offence. 

“We want to remind managers and operators of restaurants, cafes, pubs and hotels, that time is running out to provide training to staff,” Mr Lewis said. “It’s vital Food Handlers are equipped with up-to-date information and the essential skills for food safety and hygiene.” 

A Food Handler is anyone involved in food preparation, food production, cooking, display, packing, storage, and service, as well as anyone handling cutlery and plates. 

To be compliant, Food Handlers need skills in several areas including: 

• Safe handling of food 
• Knowledge and understanding of risks in food contamination 
• The cleaning and sanitising of food prep areas and equipment 
• Personal hygiene. 

“Now is the time to educate staff to make sure they are fully compliant before 8 December and are ready and raring to go ahead of what will be a busy Christmas period in hospitality,” Mr Lewis said.