Food safety and hygiene is an important regulatory function of Council.
Devonport City Council is committed to ensuring that businesses which prepare and / or sell food, meet the requirements of National and State legislation including the Food Act 2003.
All food business operators must do one of the following:
- Either Notify or Register their food handling activities to the Council.
Please Click Here to visit the Food Business Requirements page and to complete a food business application form.
Food Safety Courses
If you operate or work in a food business it is a requirement to demonstrate safe food handling skills and knowledge. One way to do this is to complete a Food Safety course. There are a number of providers of food safety training available.
The DoFoodSafely training program gives participants knowledge about how to safely handle food in a commercial setting. The course is available in four languages (English, Arabic, Chinese and Vietnamese).
The I’m Alert Food Safety program is another free course available to food handlers. This interactive program covers basic food safety principles as outlined in the Food Safety Standards.
The Environmental Health Department is also happy to provide educational information and advice to businesses regarding food safety and hygiene.
Ensuring Food Safety and Compliance with Devonport City Council
Importance of Food Safety and Hygiene
Devonport City Council is committed to ensuring that businesses which prepare and / or sell food, meet the requirements of National and State legislation including the Food Act 2003.
Registering Your Food Business
All food business operators must either Notify or Register their food handling activities with the Council.
Please Click Here to visit the Food Business Requirements page and to complete a food business application form.
New Food Safety Standard 3.2.2A
As of 8 December 2023, the new Food Safety Standard 3.2.2A is in effect, with enforcement beginning in August 2024. This grace period allows businesses to ensure compliance with the new standards.
Key Requirements:
Food Safety Supervisor (FSS)
- Appoint at least one certified FSS by August 2024.
- The FSS must complete training, be able to advise and supervise other food handlers, and be involved in daily operations.
- This role can be filled by the owner, manager, or another qualified person.
- Food Safety Supervisor Training
- Must be completed with a Registered Training Organisation such as TAFE or an online provider in the nationally recognised units of competency. See the list at www.health.tas.gov.au/food-safety-supervisor
Staff that have completed hospitality training in the last five years may already be certified.
Food Handler Training
- Ensure all food handlers complete a food safety training course and can demonstrate adequate skills and knowledge. Training providers are listed below.
Record Keeping
- Some businesses may need to maintain records of key safe food handling practices. This will be determined during routine inspections by Environmental Health Officers.
Compliance with the new standard will be monitored during routine inspections. No additional inspections will be required.
Food Safety Courses
Operating or working in a food business requires demonstrating safe food handling skills and knowledge. Completing a Food Safety course is one way to meet this requirement. Several providers offer food safety training, including:
- DoFoodSafely training program gives participants knowledge about how to safely handle food in a commercial setting. The course is available in four languages (English, Arabic, Chinese and Vietnamese).
- I’m Alert Food Safety program – A free, interactive course covering basic food safety principles as outlined in the Food Safety Standards.
The Environmental Health Department is also available to provide educational information and advice on food safety and hygiene.
Lodging a Food Complaint
If you need to lodge a complaint against a business in Devonport, our food complaint form is available for issues such as:
- Illness from consuming food purchased from their premises.
- Finding foreign objects in food.
- Concerns about food preparation, handling, or display practices.
- Concerns about the cleanliness of their premises.
Additional Resources and Support
For further information and resources, visit the Department of Health website or call 1800 671 738.
Alternatively, contact the Council’s Environmental Health Department via email at ehealth@devonport.tas.gov.au or by calling 6424 0511.