At the Tuesday, June 28, Council meeting, Murray River Council resolved to participate in the statewide “Scores on Doors” program, which allows businesses to display the results from their inspections, in a way similar to demerit systems.
The program is focussed on retail food service businesses that process and sell food that is ready to eat, such as restaurants, pub bistros, hotels, cafés, bakeries, clubs and takeaway outlets.
Participating councils are required to conduct inspections using the Food Premises Assessment Report (FPAR), which relates to compliance with the Australian New Zealand Food Standards Code.
It specifically relates to hygiene and food safety and focuses on the most important foodborne illness risk factors; including cooling and cold holding temperatures, food prepared ahead of planned service, hot holding temperatures, food handler personal hygiene, reheating, cleaning and sanitising of equipment and premises.
Acting Mayor Frank Crawley said council hoped the program would promote consumer trust in food businesses and further promote the excellent reputation of food businesses in the area.
“The introduction of the Scores on Doors program would highlight the many businesses within the municipality that are doing the right thing by their customers and operating in a clean and hygienic manner and keeping food safe,” Cr Crawley said.
“It also offers an additional incentive for businesses to maintain and increase their inspection results, thereby improving the quality of local food premises,” he said.
Food businesses that do not wish to participate in the program are not required to display their rating.
Scores on Doors is not intended for supermarkets, delicatessens or greengrocers, low-risk food premises or businesses that serve pre-packaged food, such as service stations and convenience stores, temporary markets, mobile food vending vehicles or businesses that hold a NSW Food Authority licence and are separately audited such as butchers.
“We hope many of our eligible food businesses will embrace the program as it will further showcase the excellent standards of our local communities and culinary attractions,” Cr Crawley said.