Food Standards Code

Holroyd City Council has produced a Food Safety Manual to assist food business operators and employees to be aware of the Food Standards Code.

Significant food poisoning incidents across Australia in recent years together with changes in the eating patterns of many Australians has resulted in the need for a different approach to food safety. This is reflected in the Food Standards Code, which is based on achieving health and safety outcomes. In addition, some flexibility to vary some requirements is available to operators under certain conditions.

Chapter 3 of the Food Standards Code details Food Safety Standards most relevant to retail food businesses, which include:

Food Safety Standard 3.1.1 Interpretation and Application.

Food Safety Standard 3.2.2 Food Safety Practices & General Requirements.

Food Safety Standard 3.2.3 Food Premises & Equipment.

A brief summary of the abovementioned Food Safety Standards is as follows:

Food Safety Standard 3.1.1 - This Standard contains definitions for many of the terms used in the Food Safety Standards including the meaning of "safe and suitable food" in addition to indicating that the Food SafetyStandards apply to all food businesses in Australia with the exception of primary industry unless that primary industry business is involved in the processing or retail sale of food.

Food Safety Standard 3.2.2 - This Standard addresses specific food handling controls relating to delivery, storage, processing, display, packaging transportation, disposal and recall of food. Other requirements in regard to the skills and knowledge of food handlers and their supervisors, the health and hygiene of food handlers together with the cleaning, sanitising and the maintenance of the food premises and equipment are also included.

Food Safety Standard 3.2.3 - This Standard outlines the constructional requirements for floors, walls, ceilings, equipment, fixtures, fitting etc including hand and equipment washing facilities for both premises and food transport vehicles.

Greater consumer awareness, together with a diversity of food choices, rapidly changing technology and an increasing number of commercial outlets, has resulted in the need for food laws which are both practical and accessible.

To this end, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has produced a number of informative fact sheets on various important aspects of the Food Safety Standards and some of these fact sheets have been included within Council’s Food Safety Manual for your information and assistance. The fact sheets are also available at www.foodstandards.gov.au.

Council Officers will continue to be available to provide information and advice during their routine assessment of all food businesses.

If further information is required, please contact Council's Environmental Health Unit on 9840 9840.