Search For Top Quality Chip Shops Gets Underway

MEDIA RELEASE

4 July 2011

Search For Top Quality Chip Shops Gets Underway

Hot chip lovers can now cast a vote for their top chippie, in a competition that is set to significantly improve the quality of takeaway chips around the country.

The Chip Group Chairperson, Glenda Gourley, said this year the 2011 Best Chip Shop Competition had been 'turned on its head', with shops now needing to be good enough to enter.

"The new look Competition is all about raising standards and ensuring consumers get better quality chips."

In order to participate in the Competition, chip shops must now complete online training which teaches operators how to cook chips according to the Industry Standards.

"These guidelines cover chip size, oil temperature, cooking/deep-frying, basket drainage, oil maintenance, filtering and cleaning, salt, frying oils and chip portion size. By completing the training, shops are able to serve up healthier chips that consumers also really enjoy.

"Shops competing in this year's Competition are literally the 'cream of the crop' who are prepared to go the extra mile and invest in training to ensure that standards are raised."

Voting in the 2011 Best Chip Shop Competition runs throughout July, with customers simply sending a text vote containing a four digit code unique to each shop.

"When voting ends on 31 July, mystery judges will travel the country scrutinising top shops. They will select 18 regional finalists across six regions around the country.

"Judges will assess entrants according to a strict judging criteria that covers a number of areas from chip quality and taste through to cleanliness and customer service. Shops will also need to have on display The Chip Group training certificates which show that staff have completed online training aimed at improving the nutritional quality of hot chips."

The overall winner of the Competition is expected to be announced early in October.

The 2011 Best Chip Shop Competition is the country's only national chip shop competition and this year is supported by: Potatoes New Zealand, The Heart Foundation, McCain Foods, Mr Chips, Bakel's Edible Oils, Groenz, Food & Beverage Today, Catering Plus and That's Life.

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