Recent developments are set to delay the implementation of FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A in New South Wales (NSW) for specific food establishments operating in the state.
On November 29, the NSW Food Authority announced a legislative amendment that brings about changes to the enforcement of FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A of the Food Standards Code in various sectors.
This blog will help you understand if this change impacts your business and what the implications are at this time.
New Legislative Amendment in NSW
With this amendment, NSW Food Authority is seeking to clarify the expectations of food businesses that have been anticipating the upcoming enforcement of Standard 3.2.2A on December 8 2023.
The changes are likely to bring relief to those impacted as it gives them more time to implement the mandatory requirements of the new regulations.
Extended Compliance Deadline for Selected Businesses
The amendment has pushed back the compliance deadline for certain businesses. School canteens, children’s services, supermarkets, greengrocers, and delis now have until December 2024 to meet the new food safety requirements outlined in Standard 3.2.2A. This extension grants these businesses an additional 12 months to implement the necessary measures.
Ongoing Compliance
It’s important to note that this amendment does not apply to business types not included in the list above. For example, hospitality and retail establishments remain under the previous legislation. This means that despite the amendment, these businesses must ensure they adhere to the original compliance deadline of December 8 2023.
Impact Beyond NSW
This legislative amendment applies exclusively to NSW, meaning that all other states and territories remain unaffected by these changes. Therefore, businesses operating outside NSW should continue to adhere to existing regulations in their respective regions.
Staying Informed
In announcing the amendment, the NSW Food Authority was keen to stress the importance of staying up-to-date with Standard 3.2.2A legislation, encouraging businesses to check their website for accurate information regarding compliance.
Understanding FSANZ Standard 3.2.2A
To fully comprehend the significance of these changes, it’s important to understand what Standard 3.2.2A actually entails.
Standard 3.2.2A mandates an extensive range of food safety procedures that must be followed by businesses engaged in the preparation and service of food. The standard necessitates compliance in three key areas:
Food Safety Supervisors
Businesses must employ a certified Food Safety Supervisor to monitor food handling procedures. This requirement is designed to ensure that food safety protocols are adhered to on a consistent basis.
Food Handler Training
All food handling staff are required to demonstrate pre-determined food safety skills or to undertake a Food Handler course. This provides individuals with a strong foundational knowledge of the risks associated with unsafe food handling and the actions required in order to mitigate those risks.
Record Management
Category 1 businesses engaged in the preparation of high-risk food need to maintain an accurate record-keeping system for prescribed activities. This enhances traceability and accountability in relation to food safety incidents. Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) may ask to review these records when conducting an inspection.
Professional Food Safety Training
The Australian Institute of Food Safety (AIFS) offers government-approved Food Handler and Food Safety Supervisor training programs to help organisations in NSW comply with Standard 3.2.2A.
Register today or contact us to discover the benefits of AIFS food safety training.
