> Grading blitz in June
> May 30, 2007
>
> There's a blitz on the way for North Shore food premises.
>
> North Shore City Council's environmental health officers will once
> again inspect food outlets to ensure they follow hygienic preparation
> and handling practices.
>
> Environmental health team leader, Duffy Visser, says grades are
> awarded after each annual inspection, according to the conditions and
> practices observed on the day.
>
> "It has come to our attention that some food operators are not
> displaying their food hygiene grading and it is usually those who hold
> a C, D or E grade. Those with an A or B grading are usually proud to
> display their grade.
>
> "Some premises even display expired certificates, especially if the
> expired certificate has a better grading than the current one," she
> says.
>
> "The grade should be displayed at the main entrance or if not
> practical, in a place where customers can clearly see the certificate
> and the grade.
>
> "If you go to a restaurant, takeaway bar or before buying food from a
> store, it's important you look for the certificate. If you can't see
> the certificate you should be concerned. We encourage people to
> question premises that don't display their grade," says the woman who
> has appeared on reality television shows, "The Inspectors" and "Filth
> Files".
>
> Grades are based on the hygiene standards of the outlet, the
> maintenance of the building, food handling and storage practices, and
> the percentage of food handlers trained in food safety, working in
> that eatery.
>
> Mrs Visser says a proven evaluation method is used to gauge the state
> and maintenance of the premises, food handling and storage practices,
> cleanliness and staff training.
>
> "These are all critical factors to ensure the food they sell is safe,"
> she says.
>
> Those premises found not to be displaying their certificates or
> receiving C, D or E grades will be published in local papers and
> online, www.northshorecity.govt.nz, following the June inspections.
>
> [ends]
>

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