FOOD businesses convicted of an offence against the Food Act will be placed on a public register if the Legislative Assembly passes a Bill today aimed at improving transparency in the food industry.

The Food Amendment Bill 2011, amends the Food Act 2001, that will require businesses to display their current registration certificates as well as closure notices to be displayed at the entrance of a business with a prohibition order. The Bill also proposes an amendment that will see food business convicted of an offence against the Food Act to be placed on a public register.

“Over the past year the Health Directorate has seen an increase in the number of businesses failing to comply with the required food standards. Action has been taken against these businesses, including referring matters to the Director of Public Prosecutions,” Chief Minister Katy Gallagher said.

“Although ACT food businesses have a strong history of compliance in food standards, the Government is proposing this Bill to address emerging knowledge gaps in food safety by requiring businesses to have suitably trained food safety supervisors at premises.

“Together these amendments should enhance food safety, increase food regulation transparency and assist in reducing the social and economic costs of food borne illnesses.”

Public consultation on the measures ran from August to September. Further consultation on training to be required of food safety supervisors and the style of closure notices is still to occur.

The Health Directorate will advise on the details of that consultation.