FOOD handling businesses within the Shire of Mundaring are being encouraged to review new regulations under the Food Act 2008, implemented last week.

The Act covers a wide range of food safety issues to ensure consumers can be confident about the safety of what they are buying and eating.

It follows the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code which covers cleanliness, sanitation, hygiene, food serving practices and other aspects that go into the preparation and provision of food.

Shire Health and Community Safety Manager Adrian Dyson said there had previously been different pieces of legislation related to various aspects of food safety.

The Act replaced them all and would make regulations clearer for business owners, employees and government organisations.

Mr Dyson said the Act also provided a new definition of a food business, which would impact a new range of businesses, including:

·               school canteens and cafeterias;

·               workplace (including mine site) canteens and cafeterias;

·               bed and breakfast establishments;

·               lodging house kitchens;

·               businesses involved in the storage of food;

·               food transportation businesses;

·               food businesses run by charitable and community organisations; and

·               family day care centres.

“The Act defines a food business as a business, enterprise or activity that involves the handling of food intended for sale or the sale of food,” he said.

“This is regardless of whether the business, enterprise or activity is of a commercial, charitable or community nature or whether it involves the handling or sale of food on one occasion only.

“With this in mind we encourage anyone unsure of whether the new Act applies to them to contact our environmental health officers or visit our website for further information.”

Mr Dyson said those who fail to meet regulations under the Act can be issued with Improvement Notices, Prohibition Orders, Infringements (on the spot fines) or for very serious  breaches may face court imposed fines of between $10,000 and $250,000 and in some cases imprisonment.

Depending on the severity of food safety breaches, Shire officers could issue formal warnings, improvement notices, prohibition orders; infringement notices (fines), or ensue legal action through the courts.

For more information contact the Shire on 9290 6666 or visit www.mundaring.wa.gov.au