The state-wide Scores on Doors program enables retail food businesses to be issued with a certificate which shows its food safety and hygiene rating.

Councillors unanimously voted to support the introduction of this program in the shire at Wednesday night’s Ordinary Meeting of Council.

While participation in the program is voluntary, businesses which do participate will receive a rating certificate which carries an explanation of what the rating represents and a liability disclaimer for council for any acts about the food business or about the condition of the premises.

Council’s media and communications co-ordinator David Sommers said the program was a NSW Food Authority initiative and promoted safe food handling practices and healthy premises.

“It makes the public know how well local food outlets like pubs, cafes, bakeries and bistros are complying with NSW hygiene and food safety requirements,” Mr Sommers said.

“Participation is totally voluntary, but many outlets will find that by displaying the results it acts like a visible reward that their premises are adhering to stringent food handling and preparation processes.”

Currently council undertakes routine food safety inspections and issues penalty notices on the NSW Food Authority’s Name and Shame register.

Under the Scores on Doors program, council will continue its annual inspections and will issue food premises with hygiene and food safety rating based on points under the program guidelines. 

Food premises will be given one of three ratings - good, very good or excellent. 

However, retail food businesses found to have critical breaches would not be awarded a grade or certificate.

“Council mandatorily undertakes the inspection under the Scores on Doors program, however it is up to the business themselves if they choose to display the certificate,” Mr Sommers said.

“It gives shoppers greater choice and information in the knowledge that their favourite eatery is up to scratch.”

The program will focus on food service businesses which process and sell ready-to-eat food intended for immediate consumption and could be potentially hazardous if not handled correctly. These businesses include restaurants, pub bistros, hotels, cafes, bakeries, clubs and takeaway restaurants.