The New South Wales Food Authority is looking at new ways to improve and build awareness of its voluntary Scores on Doors hygiene rating program for food businesses.

A working group, chaired by the NSW Food Authority, has been formed and will involve key stakeholders in the state’s food service industry including Restaurant and Catering Australia, Clubs NSW, the Australian Hotels Association (NSW), AFGC Quick Service Restaurant Forum, NSW Small Business Commissioner, Local Government NSW, Local Government Managers Australia (NSW), NSW Fair Trading and NSW Trade and Investment.

The program, which was trialled across 26 NSW councils during 2011 and 2012, is one of a suite of initiatives to help improve the safety of food sold and to allow consumers to make informed choices about the food they eat. Scores on Doors also provides an opportunity to establish a standardised inspection checklist.

The rating system is based on the outcome of a routine unannounced inspection of a food business, undertaken by councils using a standardised checklist. The result is then displayed prominently by that business, usually on the front door or window.

Feedback from the 2011-2012 trial was positive and showcased the food service industry’s enthusiasm for a standardised public ratings system across NSW.