Some businesses may be able to use the the FoodSmart food safety program template.
FoodSmart is a free food safety program template that some food businesses in Victoria can use. It:
- is only for food retail and food service businesses
- covers common high‑risk and potentially hazardous food processes
- is free to use, if it suits the business’s activities
When you can use FoodSmart
FoodSmart may be suitable for food retail and food service businesses that undertake food processes such as:
- sous vide cooking at less than 75°C under controlled conditions
- preparation of ready‑to‑eat acidified or fermented foods or drinks
- preparation of ready‑to‑eat foods containing raw, unshelled eggs
- off‑site catering involving ready‑to‑eat potentially hazardous food
The FoodSmart standard Food Safety Program cannot be used if your business uses food processes that are not covered in its contents.
Please check with your local council to find out more about the suitability of the FoodSmart Food Safety Program for your food business activities.
When you cannot use FoodSmart
You cannot use the FoodSmart template if your business or activities fall outside its scope.
Businesses that cannot use FoodSmart
FoodSmart does not apply to:
- food manufacturers
- retail or food service businesses that carry out processes not covered by the template
- meat, seafood or dairy businesses (such as butchers or fishmongers)
These businesses must develop a non‑standard food safety program to meet their specific requirements.
Processes not covered
FoodSmart does not cover businesses that:
- handle potentially hazardous food without temperature control, as described in Standard 3.2.2 (for example, displaying food out of temperature control for more than 4 hours)
- prepare ready‑to‑eat raw or rare minced or finely chopped red meat
- prepare ready‑to‑eat raw or rare poultry or game meat
- carry out complex food processing, such as:
- pasteurisation or other thermal processing
- packaging that removes or replaces oxygen to improve safety or extend shelf life
- processes that do not rely on temperature control to minimise pathogen growth
How to use FoodSmart
Download the FoodSmart Food Safety Program template below and check that your business processes and activities meet its requirements.
Use the ‘Records’ zip files to customise FoodSmart for your business.
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