NSW Food Authority Scores on Doors Working Group formed
The NSW Food Authority is looking at ways to improve and extend participation in its voluntary ‘Scores on Doors’ food business hygiene rating program. A Working Group made up of key participants and stakeholders has been formed to consider the future development of the program.
Scores on Doors was introduced as part of the NSW Food Authority’s work to reduce foodborne illness in NSW. Better compliance with food hygiene helps reduce foodborne illness.
The program is one of a suite of initiatives in place to help improve the safety of food sold in NSW and allow consumers to make informed choices about the food they eat.
It is designed to recognise good performance and provide the opportunity for businesses to present the rating to their consumers.
The initiative also provides an opportunity to establish a standardised inspection checklist to get a more consistent inspection program across NSW.
The scheme was trialled across 26 NSW Councils during 2011 and 2012.
The rating system is based on the outcome of the routine unannounced inspection of a food business, undertaken by Councils using a standardised checklist. The result is then displayed prominently in that business, usually on the front door or window.
Feedback from participants in the trial was positive and showcased the potential of the program to help improve hygiene standards and provide additional benefits for industry, Councils, consumers and the wider community.
The trial also highlighted the need to further increase participation rates and further refine the program to improve its effectiveness and benefit.
Members of the Scores on Doors Working Group, to be chaired by the NSW Food Authority include:
- Restaurant & Catering NSW
- Clubs NSW
- Australian Hotels Association (NSW)
- AFGC Quick Service Restaurant Forum
- NSW Small Business Commissioner
- Local Government NSW
- Local Government Managers Australia (NSW)
- Environmental Health Australia (NSW)
- NSW Fair Trading
- NSW Trade & Investment
The Scores on Doors Working Group encourages input into the future development of the program.
Participants of the trial, other interested parties or consumers are encouraged to provide their feedback or comments regarding the Scores on Doors program to scoresondoors@foodauthority.nsw.gov.au
Source: NSW Food Authority, 14 June 2013
