Initiative aimed at improving quality of food supplied by industry

10/10/96

Western Australian restaurants and caterers and their patrons are set to benefit from a new initiative aimed at improving the safety and quality of food supplied by the food service industry, according to Health Minister Kevin Prince.

Mr Prince, who today launched the Caterers' Gold Licence Accreditation on behalf of the Restaurant and Caterers' Association of WA, said accreditation provided restaurants and caterers with public recognition and the incentive to strive for excellence.

"Accreditation should signal to prospective diners or function guests that they will receive the best possible level of service and product from the caterer or restaurateur concerned, who is backed by appropriate industry experience," Mr Prince said.

"This new system will also provide guidance to new and existing participants to achieve long-term viability and safety of food supplied to the public.

"But I must make it clear that accreditation is not an obstacle to entry into the industry."

Mr Prince said the Gold Licence Accreditation would also:

promote a greater level of training and awareness of safe food practices;

increase public confidence in the quality and safety of meals provided by restaurants and caterers; and -

ensure the highest possible standards of food preparation, service and business operations were achieved and maintained.

The Minister said the Gold Licence Accreditation was supported by the Health Department of WA, the Australian Institute of Environmental Health and the WA Municipal Association.

Representatives from those organisations and the RCA accreditation sub-committee had formed a board to assess applicants.

At least seven industry applicants had already successfully applied for Gold Licences and at least 30 were expected to be issued in its first year of operation.

The board would approach local government agencies throughout the State to conduct regular health inspections of accredited kitchens to ensure the highest possible standards were maintained.

Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 366 0300