Local food businesses are invited to attend the NSW Food Regulation Partnership Retail meeting in Tamworth on July 25 to learn how to best capitalise on their good reputation as safe and hygienic operators.
NSW Food Authority CEO Polly Bennett said the New England and North Western regions had very few retail food businesses on the NSW Food Authority’s Name and Shame register.
"That’s a terrific result but there is always room for improvement and this meeting is an opportunity for business operators to keep informed of food safety standards and regulations,” Ms Bennett said.
"We will also be explaining our Scores on Doors food safety rating program which is a great way of promoting the excellent hygiene standards of the New England and North Western region food businesses to consumers.
"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 to explain food safety requirements and to hear about the industry’s issues."
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.
Information about the Food Safety Supervisor training requirement will also be available.
"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," Ms Bennett said.
"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.
"However we also understand the demands placed upon the time of small business operators so to help manage those demands and accommodate those who can’t attend the meeting we have set up an online function where people can submit questions or issues prior to the event. Outcomes of the meeting will also be posted online following the event.
The meeting will be held at the Tamworth Regional Council Chambers from 10am -12pm Thursday 25 July.
