Keeping Up with Food Safety Laws: What Queensland Cafés and Restaurants Need to Know in 2025

Ben Maher
Jan 17
2 min read

Updated: May 19

Because nothing says "fine dining" like a surprise health inspection.

Updated for 6/5/25

Clean kitchens don’t just win customers — they keep the inspectors happy, too.

🚨 New Year, New Rules: What's Changed?

As of December 8, 2023, Queensland's food safety regulations have undergone significant updates under Standard 3.2.2A. Here's the scoop:

1. Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) Certification Now Has an Expiry Date

Previously, once you were certified, you were set for life. Not anymore. Now, your FSS certification is valid for five years. If your certificate predates December 2018, it's time for a refresher. Think of it as a spa day for your compliance credentials.

2. Mandatory Training for All Food Handlers

Gone are the days of "learning on the job" by watching someone else wash lettuce. All food handlers must now undergo proper food safety training. While the training doesn't have to be accredited, it must cover essential topics like safe food handling, allergen management, and personal hygiene. Online courses like DoFoodSafely are a great place to start.

3. Record-Keeping Is the New Black

If it's not documented, it didn't happen. Businesses must maintain records of food safety training and practices. This includes logs for temperature checks, cleaning schedules, and staff training. It's like keeping a diary, but for your fridge.

🏷️ Understanding Your Business Category

Not all food businesses are created equal. Here's how the new standards categorize them:

Category 1: High-risk operations like restaurants, cafes, and caterers that prepare and serve unpackaged, ready-to-eat food. These businesses must have a certified FSS, trained food handlers, and maintain detailed records.
Category 2: Retailers like delis and service stations that handle but don't process unpackaged, ready-to-eat food. These businesses need a certified FSS and trained food handlers but have less stringent record-keeping requirements.

For more details, check out the Queensland Government's guidelines.

🧽 Practical Steps to Stay Compliant

Review Your FSS Certification: Ensure your Food Safety Supervisor's certification is current. If it's older than five years, schedule a refresher course.
Train Your Staff: Implement a training program for all food handlers. Utilize resources like DoFoodSafely to get started.
Implement Record-Keeping Systems: Maintain logs for temperature checks, cleaning schedules, and staff training. This not only keeps you compliant but also helps identify areas for improvement.
Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates to food safety regulations to ensure ongoing compliance.