Food safety for auditors

Food businesses requiring auditing by an approved regulatory food safety auditor

In Tasmania, certain food businesses are required to be audited by an approved regulatory food safety auditor. 
This is in addition to regular council inspections.

Businesses that require these audits are those that process food for service to vulnerable persons as covered by Standard 3.3.1 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. These include:

• hospitals
• delivered meal organisations
• aged care facilities
• some childcare facilities.

These businesses are required to implement a documented food safety program and have it audited by an approved 
regulatory food safety auditor at least annually. 

Approved regulatory food safety auditors in Tasmania

Download the list of approved regulatory food safety auditors in Tasmania

How to become an approved regulatory food safety auditor

Auditors undertaking regulatory food safety audits of the food businesses listed above must:

• be approved by the Director of Public Health (Tas) or
• have equivalent approval from their home state or territory in Australia as per the Automatic Mutual Recognition 
  scheme (AMR).

Tasmanian-based auditors and others not eligible for AMR

Tasmanian-based auditors and those that are not eligible for AMR, must apply for approval as a regulatory food safety 
auditor by completing an application form.

Download an application form

If approved, you will be provided with a Certificate of Authority. 

Auditors eligible for AMR

Under AMR, Australian-based auditors who reside outside of Tasmania can work as an approved regulatory food safety auditor in Tasmania for 3.3.1 food businesses if they:

• hold a current and equivalent approval or license issued by the relevant authority in their home jurisdiction and
• have notified the Department of Health (Tas) of their intention to work in Tasmania.

To notify the Department of Health (Tas), send an email with your name, contact details, evidence of your residential or work address and a copy of your current approval certificate or license to [email protected]

How to renew your approval as a regulatory food safety auditor 

Tasmanian-based auditors and others not eligible for AMR

If you are an approved regulatory food safety auditor based in Tasmania or not eligible for AMR, to renew your approval please complete and submit a renewal form.

Download a renewal form

Auditors eligible for AMR

When your home jurisdiction certificate or license expires, AMR no longer applies. You must renew your certificate or license in your home jurisdiction and send a copy to [email protected]

Responsibilities of approved regulatory food safety auditors

Approved regulatory food safety auditors undertaking audits of 3.3.1 food businesses in Tasmania have the following responsibilities under Part 6A of the Food Act 2003 (Tas):

• Conduct audits of the food business’ food safety program and assess their compliance with the Food Act 2003 (Tas) and Chapter 3 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. 
• Carry out follow up action to ensure corrective actions identified during the audit, if any, have been resolved. 
• Provide the business and the relevant council with an audit report. Council should receive the report within 21 days of the audit. If a serious food safety risk is identified, the council must be advised within 24 hours.

Where to get more information

Public Health Hotline - Tasmania 

• Phone 1800 671 738 (free call)
• Email [email protected]

Find out more about Food safety in Tasmania