Eurobodalla food retailers can expect fewer health inspections after Eurobodalla Shire Council adopted a new food inspection policy at last week’s meeting.
The new policy introduces a risk-based inspection regime that rewards businesses with a proven track record of excellent food handling practices.
According to Council’s Manager of Environmental Services Deb Lenson, this will apply to the vast majority of Eurobodalla’s food retailers.
“We consistently see a high percentage of local food businesses complying with the NSW Food Standards Code. The new policy means many food businesses will now only need to be inspected once each year.”
Ms Lenson said high-performing businesses will also gain a marketing advantage under the new policy.
“Starting 1 July this year, we’ll be introducing ‘scores on doors’ certificates for complying business to display, offering consumers the added confidence that food for sale is safe for consumption.”
There are 230 food retail businesses in Eurobodalla including restaurants, takeaways and supermarkets, as well as 49 market stalls and 15 food vans.
Over the past 12 months, Council carried out 400 inspections. Of these, 31 required follow-up action, such as re-inspections, warning letters or improvement notices, which in every case it led to appropriate remedial action by the business.
Eurobodalla Council has conducted a food inspection program in partnership with the NSW Food Authority since 2009. The program is undertaken to ensure that food for sale is safe for consumption and consumers can have confidence in purchasing food in the Eurobodalla.
Above: Eurobodalla Council’s Environmental Health Officer Michael Jones conducts a food inspection. Media Release
