The need to nominate or employ suitably qualified Food Safety Supervisors in food businesses is currently a legislative requirement in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, however specific food safety supervisor requirements vary from state to state in relation to which food sectors / businesses must have Food Safety Supervisors. A Food Safety Supervisor must have the ability and authority to recognise, prevent and rectify food safety problems and adequately supervise and instruct food handlers. 

As of 8th Decmber 2023,  food businesses in all states and territories will be required to nominate at least one Food Safety Supervisor if they handle any unpackaged potentially hazardous foods that is used in the preparation of ready-to-eat food to be served to a consumer, or that is ready-to-eat intended for retail sale. Under the new Food Safety Standard 3.2.2A, Food Safety Supervisor certificates must be current (within 5 years) and the nominated Food Safety Supervisor/s for a business must be ‘reasonably available’ as a point of contact for food handlers adn be involved in teh day-to day operations of the business.