Food safety auditors
Prescribed food businesses in Queensland are required to have an accredited food safety program under the Food Act 2006 (the Act). Food safety programs are required to be regularly audited by an approved auditor at a frequency specified by the local government with which the food safety program is accredited.
Applications for approval as a food safety auditor must be made to Queensland Health in the approved form and accompanied by the prescribed fee. Approval of an application may be granted only if Queensland Health is satisfied the applicant has the necessary expertise or experience to perform the functions of an auditor and is a suitable person to be an auditor.
The functions of an auditor include:
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to advise local governments about the accreditation of food safety programs
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to conduct audits of accredited food safety programs under chapter 6: Audits of accredited food safety programs, of the Act
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to prepare reports of audits conducted by the auditor
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to give Queensland Health requested information about audits conducted by the auditor.
The reporting obligations of an auditor include the following:
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an auditor must, within 14 days after completing an audit of an accredited food safety program, give a report about the audit to the holder of the program and the local government that accredited it
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if, in conducting an audit of an accredited food safety program, an auditor forms a reasonable belief that:
a) A person has contravened, or is contravening the Act or the Food Standards Code, Standards 3.2.2 or 3.2.3;
and
b) The contravention poses an imminent and serious risk to the safety of the food intended for sale. The auditor must give the details of the facts and circumstances giving rise to the belief, to the local government as soon as practicable, and in any case not more than 24 hours, after forming the belief.
A register of approved auditors is available to be viewed by the public and includes details about the auditor, including contact details and areas of service of the auditor, so food businesses can find an approved auditor who is appropriate for their business.
The Register of Auditors contains the following details:
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