Free Food Safety Program template

A food safety program is a written system that identifies the food safety hazards in your business and sets out how you control, monitor and record them. This free template gives you a HACCP-based structure to document your program. Some higher-risk businesses — and those serving vulnerable people such as hospitals, aged care and childcare — are required to have one, so confirm what applies to you with your regulator. What it includes: Business details, scope, and the products and processes covered. Hazard identification at each step (receiving, storage, prep, cooking, cooling, hot holding, service). Control measures and limits for each hazard (for example, cook to 75°C at the core). How each control is monitored — what, how often, and by whom. Corrective actions to take when a control is not met. Verification, review dates, and the records you keep as evidence. How to use it: Map every step your food goes through, from delivery to service. At each step, list the food safety hazards — biological, chemical, physical and allergen. Set the control and limit for each hazard, aligned with the Food Standards Code. Decide how you monitor each control (what, how often, who) and record it. Write the corrective action to take whenever a limit is not met. Review the program whenever your menu, process, equipment or suppliers change. Under the Food Standards Code, some businesses — particularly higher-risk ones and those serving vulnerable groups (hospitals, aged care, childcare) under Standard 3.3.1 — must have a documented food safety program, while many food-service businesses comply with Standards 3.2.2 and 3.2.2A without a full program. A template helps you document your system clearly; it does not by itself make your business compliant. Confirm whether a program is required for you with your state or territory regulator or council. What is a food safety program? A food safety program is a written system that identifies the food safety hazards in your business and documents how you control, monitor, correct and record them. It is usually built on HACCP principles and should reflect how your business actually operates, not be a generic document filed away. Is a food safety program mandatory in Australia? It depends on your business and jurisdiction. Higher-risk businesses and those serving vulnerable groups — such as hospitals, aged care and childcare — are more likely to need a documented program under Standard 3.3.1, while many food-service businesses comply with Standards 3.2.2 and 3.2.2A without one. Confirm your obligation with your state or territory regulator. What is the difference between a food safety program and HACCP? HACCP is the method — seven principles for identifying and controlling food safety hazards. A food safety program is your business's written system, usually built on those HACCP principles. The program is the document; HACCP is the approach behind it.