Food safety training
It is the responsibility of you and your staff to ensure compliance with all requirements of the Food Act 2006 and the Food Standards Code.
The completion of food safety training assists in improving food safety work practices in the workplace. All persons undertaking food handling operations within a food business must have appropriate skills and knowledge in food safety matters.
Food safety training services and resources are available from various sources including inhouse, external providers and training organisations.
A series of fact sheets and guidelines to help you meet your obligations under the Food Act 2006 are available. Visit Queensland Government’s Food Act compliance – Information for businesses
Mackay Regional Council food safety training services:
- Basic food safety training (non-accredited). The training is free (subject to meeting eligibility criteria), and is delivered by council's Environmental Health Officers. Refer to the link for further information.
A series of fact sheets and guidelines to help you meet your obligations under the Food Act 2006 are available. Visit Queensland Government’s Food Act compliance – Information for businesses
Cost and eligibility
Mackay Regional Council runs free courses to the following:
- Eligible persons who are directly associated with any food business licensed with the region under the Queensland Food Act 2006. This includes all temporary food stall holders involved in festivals and events.
- Applicants who are from a registered charity, voluntary sporting community, religious or incorporated not for profit organisation.
If you are not sure of your eligibility for the free course, please contact us using the phone number or email address provided below, for advice prior to booking a course.
Phone: 1300 MACKAY (622 529)
Email: Council@mackay.qld.gov.au
Location
The food safety training courses are held at various locations throughout the region. Courses run with a minimum of six participants.
Bookings
Bookings are compulsory.
Free Online I’M ALERT Food Safety Training
I'M ALERT - Food safety training is now available through the Mackay Regional Council website.
The Mackay Regional Council takes food hygiene within our region very seriously. All food businesses have obligations and the Mackay Regional Council is assisting food businesses to meet these obligations by providing free access to this exciting new training tool. Council has subscribed to this online program which enables food handlers to complete training for free, in their own time and at a location of their choosing, thereby reducing costs for the food business and improving productivity.
Council highly recommends any person (food handlers as well as Food Safety Supervisors) involved in the food industry to complete this training program. It is also ideal for anyone in the community to do as it can help improve your skills when cooking in the kitchen at home for family and friends.
There is a high demand for training within the food sector. This training will assist food handlers in developing the required skills and knowledge to ensure food is handled in a safe and hygienic manner. The program is easy to follow, includes an entertaining presentation as well as interactive quizzes. A training acknowledgement form can be printed upon completion and be kept as a part of your staff records.
Visit I'M ALERT - Food safety training to conduct the training now.
Food business news
There are more than 660 food retailing businesses in the Mackay Regional Council area, including food wholesalers, restaurants and cafes, hotels and licensed clubs, supermarkets, service stations and convenience stores, as well as schools, childcare centres, hospitals and aged care facilities.
For more information about food safety training and requirements of food handlers, contact council's Health and Regulatory Services team on 1300 MACKAY (622 529) or email council@mackay.qld.gov.au