Top 10 Tips for Ensuring Compliance With Food Safety Standard 3.2.2A

Food safety is crucial for any business in the food industry. In Australia, Standard 3.2.2A, which became law on December 8, 2022, expanded and significantly strengthened the existing Food Standards Code. The revamped standard makes compliance essential for avoiding legal repercussions and elevating your business. Here are our best tips to help your business comply with the new standard.

Top 10 Tips

1. Familiarise Yourself with the Standard

Tip: Realise that Standard 3.2.2A is not just on the horizon—it's already here, and compliance is mandatory.

Action: Start by reading the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to grasp the full scope of what is expected under Standard 3.2.2A. Allocate time for team meetings to discuss these new obligations and how they differ from or add to the current standards under 3.2.2. This forms the foundation of your journey towards full compliance. You can also read through our articles covering aspects of Standard 3.2.2A that you will need to know.

2. Determine If Your Business is Subject to the Standard

Tip: Know your business category to understand if you fall under this standard.

Action: Evaluate the services your food business offers to classify it as either a “category one” or “category two” establishment according to the standard. A category one business generally carries out riskier food handling activities than category two – read more about categories here. Note that many states and territories have separate categorisation systems that apply alongside the categories set out in Standard 3.2.2A. Document your classification for future reference and regulatory compliance. 

3. Check State & Territory Legislation

Tip: While compliance with Standard 3.2.2A is federally mandated, your local jurisdiction may have additional regulations that interact with or supplement this standard.

Action: Begin by referencing the food safety guidelines specific to your state or territory. These guidelines often include particular requirements that must be met in addition to Standard 3.2.2A. Get to know how these state or territory regulations integrate with the federal standard. Create a comprehensive legal checklist detailing every obligation under Standard 3.2.2A and any additional requirements imposed by your local jurisdiction. This will ensure that your food business fully complies with federal and state laws.

4. Update Your Food Handler Training

Tip: Your current Food Handler training regimen might not suffice.

Action: Conduct an audit of the existing certifications and training that your Food Handlers have undergone. 
Note any gaps between their current knowledge and the new standard’s requirements. Schedule fresh training that covers these gaps, with particular attention to new areas such as allergen handling.

5. Appoint a Food Safety Supervisor

Tip: Every business must designate at least one qualified Food Safety Supervisor.

Action: Ensure that the person you appoint as your Food Safety Supervisor has completed the necessary training and received certification within the last five years. Keep an electronic and physical copy of their certification and make it easily accessible to show to authorities when necessary. It’s also essential to choose Food Safety Supervisors who are readily available, meaning they either work on-site or can be reached easily. Have more than one person in this role to cover multiple sites, holidays, sickness and shift work.

6. Customise Training According to Your State or Territory

Tip: Different states and territories may have additional prerequisites for Food Safety Supervisors.

Action: Identify any state-specific requirements that your Food Safety Supervisor must meet. For instance, if you operate in New South Wales, your Food Safety Supervisor should be trained in additional skills like egg safety and allergen management. Verify that training courses attended fulfil these criteria and maintain a state-specific compliance file.

7. Revalidate Food Safety Supervisor Certificates

Tip: Under the new standard, Food Safety Supervisor certificates must be renewed every five years. 

Action: Mark the expiration dates of all Food Safety Supervisor certificates on a compliance calendar. Begin the recertification process at least three months in advance to ensure no lapses in compliance. Make sure all recertification courses align with both federal and state requirements. The Australian Institute of Food Safety offers Food Handler and Food Safety Supervisor courses that fully comply with local and federal regulations.

8. Implement Comprehensive Record-Keeping

Tip: Record-keeping practices should be in-depth, especially for category one businesses.

Action: Your business may have unique record-keeping requirements based on its classification. Re-confirm your business category under Standard 3.2.2A and align your record-keeping accordingly. For example, category one businesses may need more rigorous logs concerning food temperatures. Update your internal guidelines to reflect these nuances, ensuring everyone in the food handling process is aware of them. Develop a record-keeping system that captures every detail stipulated by the standard. This includes data such as temperature checks at multiple stages of food preparation, cleaning schedules, and sanitation procedures. Employ digital solutions that prompt real-time updates and allow easy access during compliance checks. Read more about what constitutes a record and how to create and keep records here. 

9. Prepare for Inspections

Tip: Be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to inspections.

Action: Conduct mock audits to simulate a regulatory inspection. Use this as an opportunity to train your staff to promptly provide the required documentation. Correct discrepancies and use the experience to refine your food safety protocols, ensuring you are always inspection-ready.

10. Use Technology for Enhanced Monitoring

Tip: Embrace technology for an extra layer of compliance and efficiency.

Action: Integrate modern food safety management systems that include features like real-time temperature monitoring, inventory management, and digital checklists for food safety protocols. Using technology ensures you're proactively maintaining compliance while making your operations more streamlined and efficient.

By diligently implementing these tips, you're not just avoiding legal trouble; you're building a reputation for quality and safety that will serve your business well for years to come. Compliance with Standard 3.2.2A is indeed a significant investment in your business's future. Schedule a free consultation with an Australian Institute of Food Safety Compliance Advisor to ensure you're compliant.