Australian Capital Territory Food Safety Supervisor Requirements

Who needs a Food Safety Supervisor in the ACT?

Under Standard 3.2.2A of the Food Standards Code — implemented in the Australian Capital Territory through the Food Act 2001 (ACT) — most food service and retail businesses must appoint a certified Food Safety Supervisor. ACT Health administers food safety in the territory, with Access Canberra (the ACT Government’s regulatory service) handling food business licensing and inspections.

The FSS requirement applies to food businesses across all industry sectors in the ACT:

• Hospitality — restaurants, cafes, hotels, clubs, pubs, takeaways, catering operations
• Retail — supermarkets, food retail shops, delis, butchers, bakeries
• Health and community services — aged care facilities, hospitals, disability services, school canteens
• Food processing — food manufacturing and processing businesses
• Transport and distribution — businesses handling temperature-controlled food

What training is required in the ACT?

The required training units in the ACT depend on the sector, as specified in the Food (Training Approval) Guidelines 2024:

• Hospitality (restaurants, cafes, caterers, takeaways): SITXFSA005 + SITXFSA006
• Retail: SIRRFSA001 — or SITXFSA005+SITXFSA006 are interchangeable
• Health and community services (hospitals, aged care, disability services): HLTFSE001 + HLTFSE005 + HLTFSE007

For lower-risk businesses not selling potentially hazardous food, the ACT also accepts the free online DoFoodSafely or I’M ALERT programs as an alternative to full RTO training.

Training must be delivered by a registered training organisation (RTO) on the ASQA National Register. The ACT does not maintain a separate territory-approved RTO list — any nationally registered RTO is accepted.

Category 1 and Category 2 businesses in the ACT

Category 1 businesses process unpackaged potentially hazardous food. They must have a certified FSS, ensure food handler training for all staff, and maintain evidence records.

Category 2 businesses handle food at lower risk. They must have a certified FSS and ensure food handlers are appropriately trained, but are not required to maintain a formal evidence tool.

How to get certified in the ACT

1. Choose any ASQA-registered RTO offering SITXFSA005+SITXFSA006.
2. Enrol and complete the online course — typically 6–8 hours.
3. Pass the knowledge assessment.
4. Receive your Statement of Attainment — typically within 1–2 business days.
5. Keep your certificate accessible on the premises.

Certificate validity

The FSS certificate is valid for 5 years from issue date.

Governing legislation

• Food Act 2001 (ACT): legislation.act.gov.au
• Standard 3.2.2A: foodstandards.gov.au
• ACT Health — food safety: health.act.gov.au

Frequently asked questions

Does the ACT have a state-approved RTO list? No. Any nationally registered RTO on the ASQA National Register is accepted. Verify at training.gov.au before enrolling.

Is an ACT FSS certificate valid in other states? Yes. A nationally accredited Statement of Attainment is recognised across all Australian states and territories.

How much does an FSS course cost in the ACT? Between approximately $86 and $139 depending on the provider. There is no territory-specific government fee in the ACT. See the full comparison table for current pricing.

What does an ACT food business inspection cover? ACT food safety officers check that the FSS certificate is current and available on the premises, that the named FSS is employed there and reasonably available, that food handlers have appropriate training, and (for Category 1 businesses) that evidence records are in place.

Requirements may change. Verify current requirements with ACT Health or Access Canberra. Last verified: April 2026.