In New South Wales aged care facilities need to meet additional standards in food safety management. The Vulnerable Persons Food Safety Scheme outlines these requirements.

These additional standards include special licencing and the requirement to implement a food safety program as defined in the Food Standards Code 3.2.1.

The Standard states that the food safety program must contain the following:

(a)          systematically identify the potential hazards that may be reasonably expected to occur in all food handling operations of the food business;

(b)          identify where, in a food handling operation, each hazard identified under paragraph (a) can be controlled and the means of control;

(c)          provide for the systematic monitoring of those controls;

(d)          provide for appropriate corrective action when that hazard, or each of those hazards, is found not to be under control;

(e)          provide for the regular review of the program by the food business to ensure its adequacy; and

(f)           provide for appropriate records to be made and kept by the food business demonstrating action taken in relation to, or in compliance with, the food safety program.

Due to the robust food safety mangement regulatory framework in the aged care sector in New South Wales, and because the level of compliance already exceeds the new Standard 3.2.2A, the New South Wales Food Authority has provided exemption for aged care facilities in complying with the new standard.

As aged care specialists, we have a proven track record of excellence in food safety compliance. Check our services to see how we can provide support to your facility in achieving the best possible food safety outcomes.