Skills and knowledge (food safety) — Food Safety Glossary

The food safety and hygiene understanding food handlers and businesses must have, matched to the work they do.

Frequently asked questions

What does the skills and knowledge requirement mean?

Under Standard 3.2.2, food handlers and the business must have food safety and hygiene knowledge appropriate to the work they do, so understanding matches the level of risk in their tasks.

Do food handlers need a formal qualification?

Not necessarily. The requirement can be met through training, instruction, experience or supervision, as long as the person genuinely understands how to handle food safely for their role.

How does a business prove skills and knowledge?

Commonly by keeping training records, induction checklists or certificates. Certain businesses must also substantiate skills and knowledge under Standard 3.2.2A.

How is this different from having a Food Safety Supervisor?

Skills and knowledge applies to all food handlers for their tasks. The FSS is a nominated, trained person who supervises food handling in certain higher-risk businesses under Standard 3.2.2A.

What topics should the training cover?

It should suit the role, but common topics include temperature control, handwashing and hygiene, avoiding cross-contamination, allergen management, cleaning and sanitising, and the two-hour/four-hour rule.

Standard 3.2.2 - Food Safety Practices and General Requirements Food handler Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) Standard 3.2.2A - Food Safety Management Tools Personal hygiene Food safety glossary Food safety guides
Home Features Free Tools Food Safety Australia Food Safety Glossary Blog Pricing About Contact