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A Food Safety Officer ensures food production standards are adhered to in the manufacturing industry. You’ll ensure correct procedures are followed during processing, packaging and transport activities. Food Safety Officers might conduct tests to check food quality and fill out necessary compliance paperwork.
Food Safety Officers should have excellent observational skills and keen attention to detail. You’ll need to be safety focused and able to work to correct procedures. Food Safety Officers must be able to work as part of a team and be able to communicate clearly. It’s important you are organised and can manage your time well.
There are 6 courses available for people who want to become a Food Safety Officer. These are the top 5 most popular courses.
Possible job outcomes:
Get the hands-on skills you need to carry out food safety audits with the FBPSS00004 Food Safety Auditor Skill Set. This nationally recognised training course delivers a working knowledge of the FSANZ Food Safety Standards and teaches you how to identify, evaluate and control food safety hazards. The course covers: communication and negotiation skills, auditing food safety programs, ensuring food safety practices are followed consistently, evaluating food safety documentation, preparing audit reports, documenting and following up corrective actions. Enquire now for the full list of study units, food safety audit competencies, and upcoming enrolment dates. PLEASE NOTE: this skillset articulates to the Certificate IV and Diploma of Food Science and Technology..
Average duration: 3 months.
The Bachelor of Science (Food Science) centers on the intricacies of food chemistry, processing, preservation, and the impact of ingredients. Rooted in chemistry and biology, it offers insight into food component properties and their significance in nutrition. Students acquire the tools to enhance, conserve, and globally distribute nutritious foods. They will also collaborate with peers to introduce novel products, understand food structures, and master techniques of food safety, quality, and composition assessment..
Average duration: 3 years.
The Bachelor of Food Science and Nutrition enhances students' understanding of nutrition analysis, food product development, consumption trends, and the factors shaping attitudes towards food and health. It explores the diverse aspects influencing food habits, including social, cultural, technical, environmental, economic, and political factors. Students have the option to select a specialised stream of study upon application, such as exercise science, community nutrition, transition to dietetics, or food innovation and marketing, allowing for a tailored educational experience in the field. .
The Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Honours) is an advanced course that deepens understanding in nutrition and food science through ethical research design, practice, and analysis. Students engage in an original and independent research project, supervised by experienced academic staff and industry professionals. This course is ideal for those aiming to develop specialised research skills and contribute significant knowledge in the field of nutrition science. It prepares graduates for advanced roles in research, industry, or further academic pursuits within the nutrition and food science sectors. .
Average duration: 12 months.
The Graduate Certificate of Food Science is designed for students seeking to prepare for careers in the food and associated industries. This course offers studies in food chemistry, processing, food safety, and microbiology. Students will develop technical knowledge and analytical skills to address food science problems and gain a deeper understanding of the agrifood business. Additionally, it helps in meeting or maintaining professional accreditation standards, thereby enhancing career opportunities in this field. .
In Australia, a full time Food Safety Officer generally earns $1,250 per week ($65,000 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
This industry has seen a strong increase in employment numbers over the last five years. There are currently 33,000 people working in this field in Australia and many of them specialise as a Food Safety Officer. Food Safety Officers may find work across all regions of Australia, particularly larger towns and cities.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
If you’re interested in a career as a Food Safety Officer, consider enrolling in a Certificate IV in Food Science and Technology. You’ll cover a range of topics including food safety audits, performing food tests, documenting food processes and procedures and controlling food contamination and spoilage.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within food processing. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Food Processing
Food Process Worker
$1,050 weekly pay
Food Production Worker
Food Technologist
$1,150 weekly pay
Food Production Manager
$1,250 weekly pay
Food Production Supervisor
Food Safety Officer
Learn more about Food Safety Officer courses in your area.