New requirements for NSW food businesses

New laws for food businesses under Standard 3.2.2A

Recent changes to the Food Standards Code have introduced new requirements for most businesses that prepare and serve food in NSW.

From 8 December 2024, businesses that process unpackaged, potentially hazardous food, and serve it ready-to-eat, are required to:

• have a qualified onsite Food Safety Supervisor
• ensure all food handlers are trained in food safety and hygiene
• be able to show their food is safe.

Businesses that only slice, weigh, repack, reheat or hot-hold potentially hazardous food they have not made themselves, for example for example slicing fruit or reheating meals provided by a caterer, are required to:

• have a qualified onsite Food Safety Supervisor, and 
• ensure all food handlers are trained in food safety and hygiene.

The changes affect most retail and hospitality food businesses. Children’s services that provide food, school canteens, supermarkets, greengrocers, delis, coffee vendors serving food, and boarding schools, who have to appoint a Food Safety Supervisor for the first time under the new Standard, have until 8 December 2024 to comply.

Charities and not-for-profit organisations selling food for fundraising purposes only will not be required to comply with Food Standards Code 3.2.2A

See the NSW Food Authority website for more information:

Standard 3.2.2A quiz for businesses

Standard 3.2.2A – Frequently asked questions

Food Safety Supervisors

Free Food Handler Basics training

Showing food is safe