NAMED AND SHAMED: Orange Hungry Jack did not meet NSW Food Authority guidelines for cleanliness. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 0214jacks1
AN Orange takeaway outlet has been fined more than $4000 after health inspectors found its food storage standards were unacceptable and its food contact surfaces unclean.
Hungry Jacks on the Mitchell Highway was issued with five penalty notices and will spend the next 12 months listed on the NSW Food Authority’s Name and Shame register.
The takeaway food outlet was fined $880 for each of the offences, which included failing to store food in a way that protected it from the likelihood of contamination, not keeping fixtures, fittings and equipment clean enough, and failing to keep food contact surfaces clean.
The outlet had already been warned about potential breaches of the Food Standards Code before the fines were issued.
While the alleged offences occurred on November 27 last year, the penalty notice was not posted on the Name and Shame register until this month.
Pizza Hut was also placed on the register at the end of last year for two alleged offences that occurred on June 19.
The penalty notices were issued to the pizza restaurant for failing to ensure its crockery and cutlery were clean and failing to display potential hazardous food under temperature-controlled conditions.
Previous warning had been issued concerning both offences.
Retail food businesses such as these fall under the jurisdiction of Orange City Council, which reports breaches to the NSW Food Authority.
A NSW Food Authority spokesperson said the Name and Shame register, which has been in operation since 2008, was designed to protect consumers.
“Publishing the lists gives consumers more information to make decisions about where they eat or buy food,” the spokesperson said.
“The vast majority of NSW food businesses comply with food laws, but a tiny minority of operators endanger public health. This legislation achieves a balance between the public’s right to know and the rights of food businesses to their good reputation.”
The spokesperson said the Name and Shame register was strong motivation for businesses to clean up their act and do the right thing by their customers.
Businesses have 21 days to pay fines from penalty notices before reminders are sent to them by the State Debt Recovery Office.
If the fine is not paid an enforcement order is sent to the business and if it is still not paid the notice is able to be published on the register.
The managers of Hungry Jacks declined to comment and management at Pizza Hut head office were formulating a response at press time.
tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au