NEW ZEALAND: New food safety system for district

The Food Control Plan had been trialed in restaurants and cafes
Operators of cafés, restaurants, pubs, clubs and caterers in Queenstown Lakes District will be among the first in the country to have the chance to use a new food safety management system when a Food Control Plan developed especially for their businesses is released next month, Lakes Environmental Environmental Health Principal Lee Webster said.
The 'Food Control Plan', developed by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority, provided a structured approach to managing food safety through a series of information sheets detailing best practice for all steps in the food service process including food preparation, storage, display and cleaning.
A new Food Bill was being written and when introduced, Food Control Plans would be required for most food businesses. Until it came into force the plan was being offered to operators in the district on a voluntary basis for some.
"The plan's early roll out is a good opportunity for our operators to get a head start on future requirements," Mr Webster said.
The Food Control Plan had been trialed in restaurants and cafes of varying sizes across the country over the last two years. While Queenstown Lakes District was not directly involved in the trials, those who were, reported that operators welcomed the benefits it gave them including the confidence to know that they were doing the best they could in terms of managing their premises and processes to provide their customers with the safest possible products.
The expectation was that proactive operators would be keen to be involved in the new system.
"Although it does involve an increased level of commitment for some businesses, the best ones are already doing most of what's required," he said.
If New Zealand was to see a decrease in high levels of food borne illness, food business operators needed to take responsibility.
"This plan provides a system to help them does just that," Mr Webster said.
Operators who would like more information about Food Control Plans could contact the Environmental Health team on 03 450 0300, or check out http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/.
Fuente: http://www.queenstown.com/200807153095/news/local/new-food-safety-system-for-district.html
Aporte: Claudia Henríquez P.