Documents showing that food handlers have received the food safety skills and knowledge relevant to their work.
Documents showing that food handlers have received the food safety skills and knowledge relevant to their work. Training records are documents that show which staff have been trained in food safety, what they were trained in, and when. They provide evidence that food handlers have the skills and knowledge they need for the tasks they perform, from basic hygiene and handwashing through to allergen handling, temperature control and the business's own procedures. The Food Standards Code requires that food handlers have skills and knowledge in food safety and food hygiene appropriate to their work, and that businesses in certain sectors have a trained food safety supervisor. Training records are how a business demonstrates that this requirement is being met, rather than simply asserting that staff know what to do. For an Australian food business, training records typically include induction training for new staff, certificates for any completed food safety or food safety supervisor courses, records of in house training on procedures such as cleaning and allergen management, and refresher training. Keeping them current is part of good record keeping and supports a due diligence position. Training records also help managers see who is trained in what, so gaps can be filled before they become a problem. When an environmental health officer or auditor asks how the business ensures staff handle food safely, up to date training records, alongside the food safety supervisor's certificate, are the clearest evidence available. A Hobart cafe keeps a training register listing each staff member, their induction date, their completed food safety training and any refresher sessions, together with the food safety supervisor's certificate. When a council officer visits, the records demonstrate that all food handlers have the skills and knowledge their roles require.
Frequently asked questions
What are training records?
They are documents showing which food handlers have been trained, in what food safety topics, and when, providing evidence of their skills and knowledge.
Are training records required in Australia?
The Food Standards Code requires food handlers to have skills and knowledge appropriate to their work, and certain businesses to have a trained food safety supervisor. Records demonstrate this is met.
What should training records include?
Staff names, dates, the training or courses completed, in house training on procedures, refreshers, and the food safety supervisor's certificate.
Why keep training records?
They provide evidence to inspectors and auditors, support a due diligence position, and help managers identify and fill training gaps.
Do casual staff need training records too?
Yes. All food handlers should have skills and knowledge appropriate to their tasks, so their training should be recorded like any other staff member.
