Foodsafe Forum on 28/9/99 in Melville prepares quality assurance programs

23/9/99

Assisting seafood retailers and restaurants to prepare quality assurance programs is the aim of a Foodsafe Forum being held in Melville on September 28.
Fisheries Minister Monty House today said the forum was a joint initiative of the Western Australian Seafood Quality Management Initiative (SQMI), Westfish and the Melville City Council.
A similar forum was held in conjunction with Gosnells City Council in June.
"The forum aims to prepare seafood retailers and restaurants for the proposed National Food Safety Standards expected to be introduced later this year," Mr House said.
"More than 25 people are expected to attend the forum which will create awareness about the new national legislation. People working in the food industry will also gain greater knowledge about the importance of having Foodsafe programs, which include better food handling procedures."
SQMI is an initiative of the Minister for Fisheries designed to strengthen Western Australia's competitive position as a leading producer and exporter of seafood products.
Mr House said the Government had provided $450,000 over a three-year period to fund the initiative. By developing a more cohesive program in best practice and quality, this State's fishing industry would be able to capitalise on a growing demand for quality seafood from Western Australia.
"The Australia New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA) is currently developing four new national food hygiene standards which will directly impact on Western Australian business," Mr House said.
"We want to assist businesses to prepare for these new standards.
"Under the legislation, all seafood retailers and restaurants will have to adopt approved food safety programs, based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) methodology.
"Foodsafe is a national program of the Health Department which provides a safety tool kit for proprietors to learn about HACCP and build their own food safety program."
Representatives from Fisheries WA, Seafood Quality Management Initiative, Health Department of WA and Melville City Council will address the forum.
For further information, contact Christine Kershaw on 9424 3167
Media contact: Julie Cole [08] 9481 2044