Commonwealth Code
Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code - Standard 3.2.2 - Food Safety Practices and General Requirements
Food Standards Code Standard 3.2.2 sets practical food safety practices and general requirements for many Australian food businesses.
Plain-English explainers, not legal advice. Use the linked official source for section-level detail, and get advice for your situation.
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Quick read
- Standard 3.2.
- 2 is one of the practical food safety standards businesses actually live with.
Likely relevant if
- Food handlers, cafes, restaurants, caterers and food manufacturers
- Food delivery, meal-kit and ecommerce food businesses
- Businesses preparing or storing potentially hazardous food
Check first
- Handle food safely and avoid contamination.
- Control time and temperature for potentially hazardous food.
- Maintain cleaning, sanitising, handwashing and hygiene processes.
What happens if you get it wrong
Penalties & enforcement
Food safety failures can lead to local enforcement, closure orders, fines, prosecution, recalls and customer harm. Exact powers depend on local food legislation.
Enforced by State, territory and local food regulators
When this shows up in real life
Opening a cafe or dark kitchen
Set up temperature logs, cleaning schedules, allergen controls, staff training and supplier checks before trading starts.
Selling food online
Check storage, packing, delivery temperature and labelling processes, especially if food is perishable or allergen-sensitive.
Plain-English glossary
- Potentially hazardous food
- Food that needs temperature control to minimise pathogen growth or toxin formation.
- Food handler
- A person who directly handles food, surfaces likely to contact food, or equipment used in food handling.
Common questions
Is this only for restaurants?
No. It can apply across many food businesses, including manufacturing, catering, takeaway, delivery, food stalls and some online food models.
Do I need written food safety procedures?
Often yes in practice, and sometimes by law depending on the activity and local rules. Written procedures help prove staff know and follow safe practices.