Independent food auditors to help maintain food safety standards

The NSW Food Authority’s scheme of accredited independent auditors is on track to deliver more choice for licensed food businesses, while maintaining stringent food safety standards.

Alan Coutts, Chief Executive Officer with the NSW Food Authority, said the voluntary scheme was introduced in October last year and includes a rigorous approval process.

“This initiative is a voluntary system, it is not about cost cutting, it’s about minimising duplication of resources so the Food Authority and food businesses can be more efficient and concentrate on what they do best.

“Rather than continuing to regularly audit large companies who already have a solid track record of going above and beyond what they are required to do, this scheme frees up Food Authority staff for lesser resourced sectors or poorly performing businesses.

“All businesses will have to have their initial audit conducted by Food Authority officers and random inspections will still apply,” he said.

“The scheme is only for companies with a solid track record of performance, who have the option of applying for permission from the Authority to use an approved food safety auditor.

“The NSW Food Authority will conduct an intensive ongoing verification program of both auditors and businesses to ensure they continue to operate at the appropriate level of compliance.”

Coutts said some businesses may continue to remain using the Food Authority officers as auditors.