North Shore City media release
Council cracks down on non-complier
February 12, 2008
North Shore City Council’s environmental health officers are committed to ensuring the city’s food premises follow
hygienic food preparation and handling practices and ensure those who fail to comply face costly consequences.
North Shore City’s environmental health team leader, Duffy Visser, says a recent prosecution serves as a reminder that
compliance is not just good business practice.
Mrs Visser’s comments follow last Tuesday’s court action in which Thai Ping Trading Northcote Limited, who operate the
Tai Ping food premises at 35 Pearn Cres were convicted and sentenced on nine charges of breaching Food Hygiene
Regulations and the Local Government Act.
Thai Ping Trading was fined and ordered to pay North Shore City Council $8200. The two company directors were also
convicted and sentenced on related charges.
“There is a need for businesses to give food hygiene matters the priority that the public as well as the law expects,”
says Mrs Visser.
Mrs Visser says the regulations and bylaws are in place to protect consumers and it is important to look for the grading
certificate before buying food from a store, takeaway bar or restaurant.
“The council’s bylaw requires that a current grading certificate be displayed where customers can clearly see it.
“If you can’t see the certificate you should be concerned. We encourage people to question premises that don’t display
their grade.”
Grades are based on the hygiene standards of the outlet, the maintenance of the building, food handling and storage
practices, and the percentage of food handlers trained in food safety, working in that eatery.
To check out the standard of food premises and restaurants in North Shore City, please visit www.northshorecity.govt.nz
key word: food grading.
ENDS