Survey results reveal many nsw food retailers are failing to meet food standards

A recent survey of retail food businesses, conducted by the New South Wales Food Authority in conjunction with local councils shows many retailers are failing to meet food standards required to prevent food poisoning. The survey was part of the state's Campylobacter Reduction Strategy with the aim to explore if and how Campylobacter is transferred to ready-to-eat (RTE) products in retail food premises.  

The Survey

In total, 169 establishments were surveyed by authorised officers on food handling practices for the study, with 593 swabs taken of supposedly clean surfaces to provide an instant indication of cleanliness. Additionally, 281 food samples were obtained and analyzed for the presence and level of Campylobacter, Salmonella, and E. coli.

The Results

Of particular concern,  42% of the 593 supposedly clean surfaces swabbed failed, which indicates inadequate cleaning and sanitising procedures. 

Of the food tested, 258 samples were deemed 'in-scope' for the purpose of the survey, with only two samples found to be contaminated with Campylobacter, at levels considered potentially unsafe to eat. Eleven samples (4.3%) contained E. coli and salmonella was not detected in any of the 258 samples taken. 

Furthermore, according to NSW Food Authority, the results of a questionnaire undertaken by officers for each business, which focused on food handling practices, showed although some good food handling practices were observed, "there is room for improvement in areas such as the use of sanitisers according to the manufacturers' instructions, temperature control of high-risk foods during preparation and display, and food handler skills and knowledge".

NSW Food Authority has confirmed that council officers have conducted follow-up work with all non-complying premises to ensure improvements have been made. 

Source: https://www.foodwise.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/editon59/index.html

Article By: Food Safety Select