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Aged Care, Childcare , Schools Restaurant, Cafes, Catering, Butcher, Grocery Shops & Providores.

Food Safety & WHS Culture

Food establishments are required to implement a food safety scheme to address and reduce food safety hazards. The food safety system includes creating a structured process to identify potential risks related to food handling in the establishment. It details the specific actions that will be implemented to manage these risks effectively. The validation of your food safety scheme is decided by the local authorities. They will also determine how often your establishment will be inspected by a food safety evaluator.

Food safety breaches and compliance

Food safety breaches identified during the inspection must be fixed within a certain time frame. For critical food safety breaches, a business may be issued a Prohibition Order that requires the business to be closed until it is deemed safe.

The most common breaches of food safety compliance during inspections include hand-washing facilities, general cleaning, temperature control, Undeclared Allergen Control in menus, and monitoring and pest control.

Enforcement options

The Act provides a wide range of enforcement options for local councils that vary in severity and consequences, including:

  • warning letters
  • expiation notices
  • prohibition orders
  • prosecution (Fines, Business closer & etc.).

Every State & Territory in Australia has its own register of noncompliance food businesses, e.g.

NSW
Name & Shame

Last update: 21 May 2024
702 penalty notices currently in the register.
Fine up to $6500

hiqual

VICTORIA

Food Safety Register of Convictions
Fine up to $46,000

WA

Publication of names of offenders list Fine up to $15,000

QLD

Eat safe star rating search

Star rating definitions

5 stars – excellent performer, fully compliant with the Food Act 2006.

4 stars – very good performer, high standard of compliance with the Food Act 2006.

3 stars – good performer, good level of compliance with the Food Act 2006.

ACT

Register of Food Offences

SA

Food Prosecution Register

ALLERGENS

The food service industry has a responsibility to help the customer with food menu choices by providing information about food allergens that may be present directly and/or indirectly in food menu items.

Key messages (Food Standard Australia)

  • Implement an effective food allergen management program.
  • Train all staff in food allergen risks, management, and communication
  • Provide clear, up-to-date, and accurate information on the food allergen status of the foods you provide.
  • When consumers disclose their food allergy, the food service industry has a responsibility to help the customer with appropriate food menu choices by providing information about food allergens that may be present directly and/or indirectly in food menu items.
  • Consideration should be given to allowing some consumers with complex or multiple food allergy to bring their own food into your premises. If you choose to allow this in special circumstances, it is safer for all concerned and may encourage these consumers, their family, and friends to return.

OUR SERVICES

Food Premises & Equipment

We provide guidance on the design and maintenance of food premises and equipment to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Foods Requiring Special Care

Our experts offer specialized advice on handling and storing foods that require special care, such as perishable items and allergen-sensitive products.

Potentially Hazardous Foods

We help businesses identify potentially hazardous foods and implement appropriate measures to minimize the risk of contamination and foodborne illness.

Limits for Food Processes

Our guidance includes setting limits for food processes to ensure that safety standards are met at every stage of production.

Cooling of Meats After Cooking

We provide recommendation for safely cooling meats after cooking to prevent bacterial growth and ensure food safety.

Cleaning and Sanitizing Surfaces and Utensils

Our experts advise on proper cleaning and sanitizing procedures for surfaces and utensils to prevent cross-contamination and maintain hygiene standards.

Pest Control

We offer strategies for effective pest control to prevent infestations and protect food products from contamination.

Food Safety Culture

We help businesses foster a strong food safety culture among employees by providing training, resources, and support..

WHS Services

  • Cooking equipment maintenance
  • Check Test & Tag compliance.
  • First Aid & First Aid box compliance
  • Firefighting equipment compliance
  • Assembly area location training
  • Fire warden Training requirements.

Our consultants have over 30 years’ experience in food operation & WH&S in the following categories

Retail

Manufacturing

High Risk Operation

Potentially Hazardous food

AS/NZS 9001, 14001 & 45001

High Risk Operation

Why Choose Food Safety Guidance?

 

  • Expertise: Our team consists of experienced professionals with in-depth knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices.
  • Tailored Solutions: We understand that every business is unique, which is why we offer customized solutions that address your specific needs and challenges.
  • Compliance: We help businesses achieve and maintain compliance with food safety regulations, protecting both their customers and their reputation.

Ready to Ensure Food Safety in Your Business? Contact Food Safety Guidance today to learn more about our services and how we can help you maintain a safe and hygienic environment for your food operations.