Food Safety Surveillance Program

Holroyd City Council is committed to the ongoing development of its Food Safety Surveillance Program that aims to minimise the risks associated with the sale and purchase of food to its community.

As part of this Program, Council maintains a comprehensive computer database of all premises selling food within Holroyd.

Each premises is required to pay an annual Administration Fee and is inspected by a Council Officer on a risk assessment basis. The inspection covers the following areas:

• Cleanliness of premises;
• Food Poisoning;
• Controlling Bacteria;
• Correct Food Handling Practices;
• Correct Food Storage Practices;
• Correct Food Preparation Practices;
• Cleanliness of Equipment and Appliances;
• Temperature Control;
• Personal Hygiene;
• Pest Control;
• Waste Control;
• Food Shop Fit-Out Compliance; and
• Compliance with current Food Legislation

The Environmental Health Officer takes the opportunity during the inspection to discuss changes to food related legislation and offer professional advice and instruction on food-related matters to proprietors of food businesses and their staff.

In the event that a food premises is not being maintained in accordance with the legislative requirements of the Food Act 2003 and Food Regulation 2004, Council's Officers may initiate action to remedy the situation including, issuing formal warnings, Improvement Notices or Prohibition Orders, Penalty Infringement Notices or may instigate prosecution proceedings in the Local Court, where heavy penalties apply.

Council's commitment to food safety is demonstrated by the continued education of local food handlers to minimise the risk of food poisoning in its community. It is Council's goal to have all food handlers in Holroyd attend Council's free Food Handler's Seminars held annually at various town centres. The seminar topics mirror those outlined above on what Council’s inspection covers.

All persons attending the Food Handler's Seminar will receive a Certificate of Attendance signed by the Mayor and General Manager.

Council's Food Safety Surveillance Program is designed to educate the food handler and encourage the provision of safe food to the consumer. The introduction of good food safety practices not only minimises the risks associated with food poisoning but also instils customer confidence, which can have a flow on effect by increasing business trade.

If you require further information regarding this matter, please contact Council's Environmental Health Unit on 9840 9840.