New Food Safety requirements deferred, but ...

Despite new regulatory requirements that the early childhood education and care sector was never consulted about, ACA NSW is undoubtedly pleased and grateful that the NSW Government decided to defer the new Food Safety requirements by a year from 8 December 2023 to 8 December 2024.

Notwithstanding, ACA NSW remains concerned about the new requirements expected of early childhood education and care services, in particular as it impacts Approved Providers, Nominated Supervisors, educators and teachers.

Confusion and concerns still persist about the actual interpretation of how new food safety Standard 3.2.2A would be implemented in the context of our early childhood education and care services' environments and practices. Such (unintentionally) poor harmonisation of our existing operations and the new food safety requirements can be illustrated by arguably significant level of record keeping and remediation activities (as conveyed to the NSW Government).

In 2024, it is ACA NSW's intention to work with the NSW Department of Primary Industries so that appropriate regulatory streamlining and clarification are achieved. ACA NSW hopes that such collaborations will minimise if not eliminate any additional burdens imposed by the new food safety Standard 3.2.2A.

For any further information/clarification, members can contact the ACA NSW team via 1300 556 330 or nsw@childcarealliance.org.au

PUBLISHED: 19 DECEMBER 2023