Kingborough Council recently launched the I’m ALERT Food Safety Interactive Online Training program. It is the first and currently the only Local Government in Tasmania to offer free online food safety training to all food handlers in the municipality.
In officially launching the program in August, the Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Human Services, Lara Giddings, said that food poisoning was a major health issue nationwide.
“Every year about 5.4 million Australians get food poisoning, and 120 people die as a result,” the Minister said. “Training is vital to ensure food handlers acquire the knowledge and skills they need to provide safe and nutritious food and I commend Kingborough Council on its innovative approach.
“It will make food safety training more accessible for those in rural and remote areas, as well as those who find it difficult to take time to attend formal face to face courses. I urge all employees involved in the preparation and handling of food in the Kingborough area to make use of this excellent new resource.”
I’m ALERT (A Learning and Educational Resource Tool) was developed by Environmental Health Australia. This training tool assists food business operators and their staff to develop the required skills and knowledge to ensure the safety of food for their customers and to comply with their obligations under the Australian and New Zealand Food Safety Standards.
The components of the program reflect the sections within the national Food Safety Standards and will ensure the delivery of consistent, efficient and widespread training. It will also assist Environmental Health Officers to determine whether food business proprietors and staff have the required skills and knowledge commensurate with their activities.
The program can be accessed at www.kingborough.imalert.com.au or via a link from Council’s website www.kingborough.tas.gov.au
