Calls for Asian language hygiene guidelines

A failure to translate food safety guidelines into Asian languages has contributed to a decline in hygiene standards in Australian eateries, a hospitality lobby group says.

Dozens of cafes and restaurants in Australia's Capital Territory could face court action after 42 prohibition orders were issued last year.

Clubs ACT spokesman Jeff House said more than 80 per cent of those were issued to businesses selling Asian food.

"We're not criticising any part of the industry. What we are saying though is that as far back as 2009-10, health protection [authorities] knew that there was an issue with one particular part of the industry but was not providing information on food safety in multiple languages to that sector," he said.

Mr House said the Territory Government should look at providing food safety information in multiple languages, rather than introducing an industry wide ratings scheme.

Source: Australian Network News, 9 August 2012