National safe food handling standards to be translated into seven Asian languages

22/11/99

Consumers, local businesses and tourists are set to benefit from the translation of national safe food handling standards into seven Asian languages.
Health Minister John Day today launched the translations of the FoodSafe food handler training program, which is now available for Chinese, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Indonesian and Thai food people in the food industry who did not speak or read English.
Mr Day said the translations meant local consumers and tourists could have greater confidence in the food industry, and that all businesses had equal opportunity to meet national food hygiene standards.
"Food hygiene is a big public health issue in Western Australia, where about one third of every household's food budget is spent on food prepared outside the home," Mr Day said.
"Our position as a major tourist destination means hygiene practices in the food industry affect our reputation in domestic and overseas markets.
"It is imperative that consumers are protected by hygienic food handling, and that local businesses are given a fair go to compete and perform in the marketplace.
"The translations of the FoodSafe Food Handlers Training Program mean language is no longer a barrier to hygienic food handling practices, which is good news for consumers and businesses alike."
Mr Day said the program had been developed by the Australian Institute of Environmental Health following a review of existing food legislation in all States and Territories.
The Institute provides a consistent model for food legislation and standards across Australia.
The translations were co-ordinated by the Health Department of WA, and drew on the skills and resources of the Australian Institute of Environmental Health, Curtin University and several local governments.
The translations were developed in WA and will be used throughout Australia.
Media contact: Mark Thompson on 9213 6600