Whether you make sandwiches in cafes, prep meals in commercial kitchens, or serve tacos from a food truck, handling food safely is essential. Aside from being a legal requirement, maintaining safe food practices and hygiene keeps your customers safe, happy, and free from any foodborne illnesses.
While every food-serving business is legally mandated to have a Food Safety Supervisor on shift, a Food Handlers certificate isn’t required by law – but it’s still an excellent way for businesses to stay on top of health and safety standards, while also helping individuals progress and develop within the food industry.
From food handling certificates in QLD to WA and beyond, this blog covers what a Food Handlers certificate is, why it’s so important for you and your workplace, and how you can get certified.
What Exactly is a Food Handler’s Certificate?
A Food Handler’s certificate is essentially the first step for anyone working with, preparing, or serving food in Australia. It’s an accredited qualification that proves you have the fundamental knowledge and skills to handle food safely and correctly.
The course itself is officially known as “SITXFSA005 – Use hygiene practices for food safety”. It’s a nationally recognised certification which focuses on the core practices needed to prevent food contamination, manage food safely, and maintain hygiene in any food-handling role.
Check out our guide to learn more about the duration of a food handler’s certificate.
Who Needs a Food Handler’s Certificate
Unlike a Food Safety Supervisor certificate, which is designed for team leaders or those overseeing food safety within a business, the Food Handlers certification is ideal for entry-level staff or anyone involved in the storage, preparation, display, or service of food and drinks.
This can include roles like…
- Kitchen hands, chefs, and cooks
- Waitstaff and baristas
- Caterers and food truck staff
- Supermarket and deli workers
- Aged care, hospital, and childcare kitchen staff
While it’s not legally required, this training will ensure you know how to handle food properly and safely, and is an excellent starting point for those wanting to develop within the hospitality industry.
Plus, it makes up the first module of the Food Safety Supervisor certification, making it a great pathway for those who may eventually progress to a supervisor or managerial role.
What are the Benefits of Getting Certified?
For individuals, getting your Food Handlers certificate is about building your confidence in the industry, protecting public health, and opening up new job opportunities within the hospitality scene.
For food business owners, safe food practices = happy, healthy customers. Getting your staff certified means:
- Ensuring the business meets state and national food safety regulations.
- Protecting your customers from foodborne illnesses and contamination.
- Keeping your business clean, safe, and efficient.
- Upholding standards that build trust with customers and boost your reputation.
Where are Food Handlers Certificates Valid in Australia?
The good news is that a Food Handler’s certificate is valid across most of Australia. So if you get a food handling certificate in VIC or a food handling certificate in SA, for example, you don’t need to worry about getting recertified in order to work in a different state.
The only exception is that New South Wales has their own state-specific legislation for the hospitality industry, so a food handling Certificate in NSW is not valid across Australia.
What’s the Difference Between a Food Handler and a Food Safety Supervisor?
While both roles are essential to maintaining food safety, a food handler and a food supervisor serve different purposes in food businesses. A food handler is anyone who prepares, serves, or comes into contact with food as part of their job, and it’s their responsibility to follow safe food practices during day-to-day work.
On the other hand, a Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) is responsible for enforcing and maintaining food safety, such as by:
- Identifying and controlling any food safety risks
- Making sure all staff follow correct procedures
- Acting as the go-to person for food safety and compliance
Get Your Food Handlers Certificate Today!
Now you know what a Food Handler’s certificate is and why it’s so important, there’s only one thing left to do – get certified!
If you’re wondering how to get started, the Australian Institute of Accreditation makes it easy with a 100% online Food Handlers course that’s fast, flexible, and nationally recognised. You can learn at your own pace and complete your certification within a matter of days!
If you’re already a certified Food Handler and want to take the next step in your career, you can easily upgrade to become a Food Safety Supervisor by completing the additional training with AIA.
Get started today!
Training delivered by Australian Institute of Accreditation (RTO 45009).
Upon successful completion, learners receive a Nationally Recognised Statement of Attainment for the units listed above. For details about fees, assessment requirements, and learner support, visit our website https://b-t.website/