Department of Health

Food safety auditors

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Key messages

  • Food safety auditors must be qualified, and Department of Health approved.
  • Food safety auditors check that food businesses have an adequate food safety program and are complying with that program.
  • Applicants must meet the competency-based certification and educational requirements for the department.

A food safety auditor can only audit food premises after being approved by the department under the Food Act 1984 (the Act).

Food safety auditorsExternal Link must audit a food business to check that the business:

  • has an adequate food safety program
  • is complying with its food safety program, the Act and applicable standards.

Following the audit, providing the business is fully complying, the auditor must provide an audit certificate to the council within 14 days of giving the certificate to the business. That certificate must be one of:

  • a certificate of compliance
  • a certificate detailing that corrective actions have been taken to address deficiencies or any outstanding matters, if an audit has revealed non-compliances at the premises.

Should the auditor identify any deficiencies that may lead to a serious risk of food being sold or prepared that is unsafe or unsuitable, then the auditor must inform the council and the department’s Food Safety Unit as soon as practicable.

For more information on food safety assessments, audits requirements, and a list of currently approved auditors, go to the Food safety audits and assessments pages.

Food safety auditor certification

To obtain an application form and further information regarding requirements to apply for approval to be a food safety auditor under the Act, please contact the Food Safety Unit.

Reviewed 15 August 2023

Health.vic

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Contact details

Food Safety Unit

Phone 1300 364 352
foodsafety@health.vic.gov.au
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