Recently, new health regulations have enabled food retailers to once again serve food on premises after coronavirus forced them to shut down entirely or move to take away only models.
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Now, Kempsey Shire Council's Environmental Health team are taking steps to help food retailers address the new COVID-19 regulations.
At the start of June the NSW government permitted many cafes, restaurants and other food retail businesses to welcome up to 50 patrons or up to one person per four square metres subject to certain conditions.
Food retailers are required to complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan. By having a plan, food retailers can help staff and customers keep safe.
Council's health inspectors are seeking to help businesses understand this requirement.
Council can provide a kit for all businesses that includes:
- COVID-19 Safety Plan template.
- Hand washing poster.
- Distancing poster.
- Stop the spread poster.
- Who to call poster.
- Physical distancing poster for the permitted number of people.
With the reopening Council's Environmental Health unit is looking to recommence their annual food inspection program.
As an enforcement agency for the NSW Food Authority, council routinely inspects retail food outlets to ensure they comply with food safety standards.
Results can range from awarding 5-star inspection certificates to compliant businesses, to issuing warnings that encourage improvement in the safe food handling process.
Moving forward the inspections will also need to assess compliance with the new public health order, however inspectors will have Safety Plan kits on hand so that they can immediately help businesses comply.
Food retailers or patrons who would like more information should visit www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/environmental-health or call the Customer Service team on 6566 3200
