Prime Skills

Did you know?

• Each state has different Food Safety Supervisor requirements and the penalties that apply for not complying also differ?
• Businesses in NSW can risk a $660 fine whereas in Queensland, they risk a slightly smaller fine, but automatically lose 2 of the maximum 5 stars from the scores that they must display on their doors!

SITXOHS002A Follow Workplace Hygiene Procedures
&
SITXFSA001A Implement Food Safety Procedures

Monday 25^th July 2011 – Liverpool, Sydney
Monday 22^nd August 2011- Liverpool, Sydney
Monday 19^th September 2011- Liverpool, Sydney
Monday 17^th October 2011- Liverpool, Sydney

Parking: There is a parking station at 33 Moore Street (Enter via Dewsbury Way) CLICK for more details

Note: The venue is only 200 meters from Liverpool train station

Cost: $180 per person (inclusive of all course materials, assessment, statement of attainment, NSWFA FSS certificate and snacks)

Competencies: SITXOHS002A Follow Workplace Hygiene Procedures & SITXFSA001A Implement Food Safety Procedures

Note: Health and Food Processing competencies can also be included if required

Phone:
            1300 615 904
Mobile:
            0410 592 181
Email:
            kristie@hospitalitybrainwave.com.au

Over the next couple of weeks, I will summarise for you what the requirements are in each state.

This week, I will start with NSW as this is the most recent change and one that potentially affects the most number of businesses

Over the past two weeks I have explained to you some of the changes that are happening in NSW in relation to audits in Vulnerable Persons businesses that were explained to all of the auditors that attended the meeting. It shocked me to find out that with less than three months to go before the mandatory requirements are enforced, that less than 10% of all applicable businesses have completed this course!

On the 1^st October 2010, the New South Wales Food Authority (NSWFA) announced that all hospitality and retail businesses that prepare food (cut, make, cook, cool etc. their own meals) will need to have at least one person trained as a designated Food Safety Supervisor (FSS). This means that impacted businesses only have until the 1^st October 2011 to appoint a trained FSS and notify their relevant council of their FSS details.

The NSW Food Authority website has been updated and provides information on the following:

• Guide for businesses (exempt businesses) & Guideline document
• Training requirements
• Approved providers
• Notifying FSS details
• FSS certificates (prior training & replacements)

The NSWFA has provided local councils with copies of the ‘Guideline to Food Safety Supervisor Requirements’ for distribution to local businesses, and have also placed English and translated versions of the guidelines on the Authority’s website. The NSWFA website also has:

• The FSS provisions of the Food Act 2003 at http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/
• The Minister’s media release and all associated information at www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au
• All possible questions in relation to the FSS are at: http://www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/industry/fss-food-safety-supervisors/guide-for-businesses/

In summary, the NSWFA has also announced the following requirements:

• The FSS must be trained by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that is approved by the NSWFA. Be aware, that not all training companies that deliver food safety training are approved.
• The trainer delivering the training must be approved by the NSWFA
• The FSS cannot apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to receive a NSWFA approved certificate. They must attend a formal course (or conduct online).
• The certificate is only valid for 5 years. A refresher course must be undertaken by an approved RTO at least every five years.
• There is a $30 fee that applies to all certificates issued. Some RTOs include this in the cost, and others have it as an extra
• Once you have obtained your certificate, you must still notify either the NSWFA or your local council of who your businesses FSS is.

For the certificate to be recognised, you must have the NSWFA FSS certificate (a copy of which appears below). Just having the correct unit of competency on an RTO statement of attainment will not be accepted.

The penalty that applies to businesses not having a qualified FSS is $330 for individuals and $660 for corporations.

Remember you must have completed the training by 1^st October 2011 to avoid this.

Given that most people leave things to the last minute, it is best to do it now, so that you don’t risk the cut off deadline of 1^st October 2011.

To assist you meet this requirement, we have scheduled four workshops for individuals and are also taking bookings for onsite workshops (where you can all your staff trained at your workplace, saving you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.)

In Melbourne or want to do the course online?

We have a course in Melbourne, in Glen Iris on Friday 5^th August 2011. Contact Sarah on 1800 FOOD SAFETY (1800 366 372) or email her at info@PrimeSkills.com.au.

To do the course online go to: http://www.foodsafetysupervisor.net.au/food-safety