Develop a food safety program

A food safety program is a documented system that identifies the food safety hazards in the handling of food in a food business and details the way the hazards will be controlled in that business.

A food safety program must:

• systematically identify the food safety hazards that are reasonably likely to occur in food handling operations of the food business
• in a food handling operation of the food business, how each hazard identified can be controlled and the means of control
• provide for the regular monitoring of the means of control
• provide for appropriate corrective action to be taken when a hazard identified is not under control
• provide for the regular review of the program to ensure it is appropriate for the food business
• provide for the keeping of appropriate records for the food business, including records about action taken to ensure the business is carried on in compliance with the program
• contain other information, relating to the control of food safety hazards, prescribed under a regulation.

How do I develop a food safety program?

Templates are available to assist food businesses develop a food safety program. The templates are a practical step-by-step guide to help you develop a food safety program that is tailored to your food business. Food safety programs do not need to be developed by food safety auditors or external contractors. The following templates will provide you with information and resources to create your own food safety program.

Choose the template that is relevant for your food business.

• Food safety program template - Caterers
• Food safety program template - Child care facilities
• Food safety program template - Private hospitals

Note: You don't have to use these templates to create a food safety program. You can use other templates to help you write a food safety program, provided it meets the criteria outlined above as is specific to your individual business.

How do I get my food safety program accredited?

Once completed, the food safety program will need to be assessed to ensure all risks and hazards associated with the operation of the food business, have been identified and assigned specific monitoring and control measures.

The local council where your business is located is responsible for accrediting your food safety program. Contact your local council to arrange accreditation for your food safety program.

Accreditation of a food safety program is a one-off process. Re-accreditation will only be required if the food safety program is amended to include a major process change.

More information

Contact your local council if would like more information about:

• whether your food business needs a food safety program
• how to arrange accreditation for your food safety program

Read more about:

• Do I need a food safety program?
• What happens after your food safety program is accredited