Food businesses to build on reputations for safety, hygiene

NSW Food Authority CEO Polly Bennett said the Sapphire Coast region had an established reputation as a foodie tourist destination and Bega Valley Shire Council had recently capitalised on that by joining the NSW Food Authority’s Scores on Doors food hygiene and safety rating program.

"There are more than 250 retail food businesses in the Bega Valley Shire area eligible to participate in the Scores on Doors program and being part of the initiative has been a great way of promoting the excellent hygiene standards of food businesses across the Sapphire Coast to consumers," Bennett said.

Keep informed about food safety standards

"This meeting is an opportunity for business operators to learn more about the resources that are available to support them and to keep informed of food safety standards and regulations," Bennett said.

"Information about the Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) training requirement will also be available. The FSS was introduced to help reduce foodborne illness in the hospitality and retail food service sectors in NSW by improving food handler skills and knowledge.

"Both this and the Scores on Doors initiatives are designed to improve food safety standards and to reduce the instance of foodborne illness, at the same time serving to increase consumer confidence in the sector."

Integral part of the food safety push

Bennett said the Food Regulation Partnership shared by the NSW Food Authority and Councils from across the state is an integral part of our efforts to improve food safety in NSW.

"Having the opportunity to meet with Councils face to face helps strengthen the partnership we share and meeting with food business operators themselves is a great way hear about the industry’s issues," she said.

"Under the Partnership, Councils undertake the physical inspections of food retail and service businesses and the Authority provides assistance, support and guidelines in the interpretation of food laws, consistency if inspections and technical advice.

"I encourage food businesses to take the time to come along to the meeting to ask any questions they may have and find out about what support is available to them."

Businesses interested in attending can register at www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/frpgroupmerimbula

The meeting will be held at the Merimbula RSL Club from 10am - 12pm Thursday 31 July.