FoodSafe is a food handler training program provided by the Department's Environmental Health unit. The FoodSafe program helps proprietors to implement safe practice under legislative guidelines. Information is available from Environmental Health offices.
Every year in Australia over 10,000 people go to their doctor with food poisoning. Many more get food poisoning but do not report it. How do you know if your food has been handled with care?
FoodSafe aims to raise food safety standards. It was developed by the Australian Institute of Environmental Health in consultation with local and state governments, industry and consumers.
The FoodSafe sticker and certificate are awarded to premises where:
- all staff have at least basic food handler training; and
- FoodSafe practices are maintained to the satisfaction of the Environmental Health Officer.
If standards fall the sticker and certificate are removed.
FoodSafe encourages food handlers to:
- store food at safe temperatures
- separate cooked from raw food
- wash hands correctly
- wear clean, protective clothing including correct footwear and hair covering
- thaw foods in the refrigerator or microwave
- clean and sanitise equipment and utensils
- ensure premises are cleaned daily
- check food packages to make sure food is within the use by date
- control pests... and much more
FoodSafe is the first step to safer food.
For more information about this and the advanced program (FoodSafe Plus) contact the Environmental Health Program on 1800 095 646.
