Tasmania Food Safety Supervisor Requirements

Who needs a Food Safety Supervisor in Tasmania?

Under Standard 3.2.2A of the Food Standards Code — implemented in Tasmania through the Food Act 2003 (TAS) — most food service and retail businesses must appoint a certified Food Safety Supervisor. The Tasmanian Department of Health administers food safety standards, with local councils enforcing compliance through environmental health officers.

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

• 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 in storage or transit

What training is required in Tasmania?

The required training units in Tasmania depend on the sector:

• 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

Training must be delivered by a registered training organisation (RTO) on the ASQA National Register. Tasmania does not operate a state-approved RTO list — any nationally registered RTO is accepted. Verify registration at training.gov.au.

Category 1 and Category 2 in Tasmania

Category 1 businesses process unpackaged potentially hazardous food. They must have a certified FSS, provide food handler training to all food handlers, and maintain evidence records demonstrating compliance.

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 Tasmania

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

Certificate validity

The FSS certificate is valid for 5 years from issue date. Renewal requires completing the accredited course again before expiry.

Governing legislation

• Food Act 2003 (TAS): legislation.tas.gov.au
• Standard 3.2.2A: foodstandards.gov.au
• Tasmanian Department of Health: health.tas.gov.au

Frequently asked questions

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

Is a Tasmanian FSS certificate valid elsewhere in Australia? Yes. The nationally accredited Statement of Attainment is recognised in all states and territories.

What happens if our FSS leaves the business? Appoint and certify a replacement as soon as practicable. Online providers can typically issue a new certificate within 1–2 business days. Contact your local council for guidance on any interim arrangements.

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

Requirements may change. Verify current requirements with the Tasmanian Department of Health or your local council. Last verified: April 2026.