North Shore City media release

Council cracks down on non-complier
February 12, 2008

North Shore City Council’s environmental health officers are committed to ensuring the city’s food premises follow hygienic food preparation and handling practices and ensure those who fail to comply face costly consequences.

North Shore City’s environmental health team leader, Duffy Visser, says a recent prosecution serves as a reminder that compliance is not just good business practice.

Mrs Visser’s comments follow last Tuesday’s court action in which Thai Ping Trading Northcote Limited, who operate the Tai Ping food premises at 35 Pearn Cres were convicted and sentenced on nine charges of breaching Food Hygiene Regulations and the Local Government Act.

Thai Ping Trading was fined and ordered to pay North Shore City Council $8200. The two company directors were also convicted and sentenced on related charges.

“There is a need for businesses to give food hygiene matters the priority that the public as well as the law expects,” says Mrs Visser.

Mrs Visser says the regulations and bylaws are in place to protect consumers and it is important to look for the grading certificate before buying food from a store, takeaway bar or restaurant.

“The council’s bylaw requires that a current grading certificate be displayed where customers can clearly see it.

“If you can’t see the certificate you should be concerned. We encourage people to question premises that don’t display their grade.”

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.

To check out the standard of food premises and restaurants in North Shore City, please visit www.northshorecity.govt.nz key word: food grading.

ENDS

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