New South Wales Food Safety Supervisor Requirements

Who needs a Food Safety Supervisor in NSW?

Under Standard 3.2.2A of the Food Standards Code, most food businesses in New South Wales are required to have at least one certified Food Safety Supervisor. This requirement applies to businesses that handle food in a way that could pose a risk to public health — broadly, any business that prepares, stores, or serves unpackaged food.

NSW implements Standard 3.2.2A through the Food Act 2003 (NSW) and the Food Regulation 2025 (commenced 1 September 2025). The NSW Food Authority is the state’s primary regulator for food safety compliance.

The requirement applies to businesses across four industry sectors in NSW:

• Hospitality — restaurants, cafes, takeaways, hotels, clubs, catering companies
• Retail — supermarkets, food retail outlets, bakeries, delis, butchers selling food for consumption
• Health and community services — aged care facilities, hospitals, disability services, school canteens
• Food processing — businesses that manufacture or process food for sale

Category 1 and Category 2 food businesses

Standard 3.2.2A divides food businesses into two categories, each with slightly different obligations.

Category 1 businesses process unpackaged potentially hazardous food — for example, a restaurant that cooks and serves meals, an aged care facility that prepares meals for residents, or a caterer. Category 1 businesses must:

1. Have a certified Food Safety Supervisor
2. Ensure all food handlers have food safety training appropriate to their role
3. Keep evidence that these measures are in place (an evidence tool — records of FSS certificate, training records, and food safety practices)

Category 2 businesses handle food but at lower risk — for example, a café selling packaged goods, a newsagent with pre-packaged food, or a service station selling wrapped sandwiches. Category 2 businesses must:

1. Have a certified Food Safety Supervisor
2. Ensure all food handlers have appropriate training

Category 2 businesses are not required to keep a formal evidence tool.

If you are unsure which category your business falls into, contact the NSW Food Authority or your local council environmental health officer.

What training is required in NSW?

All Food Safety Supervisors in NSW must hold a current, nationally accredited qualification. The required units of competency are:

• SITXFSA005 — Use hygienic practices for food safety
• SITXFSA006 — Participate in safe food handling practices

These units must be completed with a NSW Food Authority approved RTO — not just any nationally registered training organisation. The NSW Food Authority maintains an approved provider list on its website. Enrolling with a nationally accredited RTO that is not on the NSW approved list means you will receive a Statement of Attainment but will not be able to obtain the NSW Government FSS certificate.

Retail businesses in NSW may use a different pathway: SIRRFSA001 (Implement food safety procedures in a retail business). This unit covers the same compliance requirements but is specifically designed for the retail food sector. Check with your approved RTO whether they offer this unit.

The NSW Government FSS certificate

This is the requirement that makes NSW different from every other state.

In addition to the nationally accredited training (SITXFSA005+SITXFSA006), NSW food businesses must also hold a NSW Government Food Safety Supervisor certificate. This is a formal government certificate issued by the NSW Food Authority through approved RTOs.

Here is how it works in practice:

1. You complete SITXFSA005 and SITXFSA006 with a NSW Food Authority approved RTO
2. The RTO collects approximately $30 on behalf of the NSW Food Authority as the government certificate fee
3. The RTO issues you the NSW Government FSS certificate — commonly described as the blue and orange certificate — on behalf of the Food Authority
4. You now hold two documents: the Statement of Attainment (from the RTO) and the NSW Government FSS certificate (from the Food Authority via the RTO)

The $30 government certificate fee is charged separately by some RTOs and included in the course price by others. When comparing NSW prices, check whether the government fee is included in the quoted price or charged on top.

The NSW Government FSS certificate is the document you must produce if asked by a council inspector or environmental health officer. Holding a Statement of Attainment alone — without the government certificate — does not satisfy NSW requirements.

Food Regulation 2025 — what changed for NSW

NSW Food Regulation 2025 commenced on 1 September 2025 and introduced several changes that affect how food businesses comply with FSS requirements.

The single-RTO rule: Under the 2025 regulations, students must complete both SITXFSA005 and SITXFSA006 with the same RTO. Previously, some students completed one unit with one provider and the other unit with a different provider. This practice is no longer permitted in NSW. If you completed your training across two providers before September 2025, contact the NSW Food Authority for guidance on your certificate status.

Maximum issuance window: RTOs now have a maximum of 6 months from the date a student completes their training to issue the NSW Government FSS certificate. This is primarily a process requirement for RTOs rather than something that affects most students.

How to get certified as an FSS in NSW

1. Confirm your RTO is NSW Food Authority approved. Check the current approved list at foodauthority.nsw.gov.au before enrolling. Not all nationally accredited RTOs appear on this list.
2. Enrol in the FSS course. Ensure the RTO offers both SITXFSA005 and SITXFSA006 as a combined course — required under the single-RTO rule.
3. Complete the online course. The course typically takes 6–8 hours of study and can be completed in one session or across multiple sittings.
4. Pass the assessment. Knowledge assessments are conducted online for most providers.
5. Receive your certificates. The RTO issues your Statement of Attainment and arranges the NSW Government FSS certificate (including the ~$30 government fee). Standard issuance is 1–2 business days.
6. Keep your certificate accessible. Your FSS certificate must be available on the premises and produced on request during a council inspection.

Certificate validity and renewal in NSW

The NSW Government FSS certificate is valid for 5 years from the date of issue.

If your certificate expires and you have not yet renewed, the NSW Food Authority requires the business to appoint a replacement FSS within 30 working days. During this period, you should enrol in a renewal course immediately — most providers can issue a new certificate within 1–2 business days of completing the course.

When your certificate expires and you complete a renewal course, the process is the same as the original certification — you complete SITXFSA005 and SITXFSA006 with a NSW Food Authority approved RTO and receive a new Statement of Attainment and NSW Government certificate.

Governing legislation

• Food Act 2003 (NSW): legislation.nsw.gov.au
• Food Regulation 2025 (NSW): Check the NSW legislation website for current version
• Standard 3.2.2A — Food Safety Management Tools: foodstandards.gov.au
• NSW Food Authority — FSS information: foodauthority.nsw.gov.au

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a certificate I got interstate in NSW? A Statement of Attainment from any nationally registered RTO is nationally recognised. However, NSW also requires the NSW Government FSS certificate, which can only be issued by a NSW Food Authority approved RTO. If you trained with an interstate provider that is also on the NSW approved list, you may be covered. If not, contact the NSW Food Authority for guidance.

How much does it cost to get an FSS certificate in NSW? Expect to pay between $138 and $169 total for most providers, including the approximately $30 NSW Government certificate fee. Some providers include the government fee in their quoted price; others charge it separately. Always confirm the total NSW cost when comparing providers.

I completed SITXFSA005 with one provider and SITXFSA006 with another. Is my certificate valid in NSW? Under NSW Food Regulation 2025 (commenced 1 September 2025), both units must be completed with the same RTO. If you completed training in this way after 1 September 2025, it may not satisfy current requirements. Contact the NSW Food Authority directly for guidance on your situation.

My FSS has just resigned. What do I need to do? You need to appoint a replacement FSS as soon as practicable. The NSW Food Authority allows businesses up to 30 working days to certify a replacement while the position is being filled. During this time, document the steps you are taking. Enrol a replacement immediately — most RTOs can issue a certificate within 1–2 business days of course completion.

Does the FSS need to be present on the premises at all times? The FSS must be “reasonably available” during food handling operations. They do not need to be physically present at every moment, but they should be contactable and able to respond to food safety issues. If the FSS is away for an extended period (more than 30 working days in NSW), the business should appoint a replacement.

Requirements may change. This information is for general guidance only. Always verify current requirements with the NSW Food Authority or your local council before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.