Recent outbreaks of salmonella and other food contamination in mainland States has focussed attention on Local Government responsibilities in the regulation and monitoring of food production and retailing outlets.
While current concern is largely in response to recent problems, Kingborough Council in Tasmania’s south east already has a policy in place. It seeks to encourage not only hygienically prepared food but goes further in encouraging local food outlets to offer healthy alternatives on their menu.
The Healthy Options project for takeaways, cafes and restaurants is a combined initiative of Council’s Health Department, the Community Nutrition Unit of the State Department of Community and Health Services and ‘Eatwell Tasmania’.
Under the project, businesses which meet a prescribed standard of hygiene, offer nutritious food and cater for non smoking and non drinking customers are eligible to receive a HOT (Healthy Options for Takeaways) award. The awards indicate to consumers that the business offers a safe, quality product.
Motivation for the system came about from the identified trend that Australians are eating less home produced food and are relying more on takeaways and other pre prepared food.
Characteristically, much of this food is high in fat, salt and sugar. Along with smoking and alcohol consumption, poor nutrition has been identified as a major factor contributing to illness and death in the Tasmanian population. Likewise studies have indicated unsafe levels of microbial contamination in much of the food purchased outside the home.
Kingborough undertook an extensive survey of both customers and proprietors to ascertain what changes might be made to improve the quality of food available.
Among the survey findings was evidence that retailers underestimated the demand for healthy alternatives within their clientele, so the awards system by encouraging better knowledge of market trends is seen as a way of benefiting both customers and owners.
Under the scheme, food premises will be assessed for their compliance with existing legislation, food handler training and their progress towards improved food safety plans. Each participating outlet will also be screened for the provision of non smoking facilities, alternatives to alcohol consumption and the nutritional value of the food offered.
Council officers will follow up the awards by continuing to monitor premises for ongoing commitment to high standards.
For further information contact Jon Doole, Senior Environmental Health Officer, telephone (03) 6229 5555.
