Queenstown cafe, restaurant, pub, club and catering operators will get a head start on future requirements for food safety management next month.
Lakes Environmental health principal Lee Webster said the "food control plan", developed especially for Queenstown Lakes district businesses, would be released next month.
Developed by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority, the plan provided a structured approach to managing food safety through a series of information sheets detailing best practice for all steps in the food service process, including preparation, storage, display and cleaning.
The food control plan had been trialled in restaurants and cafes across the country over the past two years.
Although the Queenstown Lakes district was not directly involved in the trials, those districts which were reported operators welcomed the benefits it gave them, including the confidence to know that they were doing the best they could in terms of managing their premises and processes to provide their customers with the safest possible products.
"Although it does involve an increased level of commitment for some businesses, the best ones are already doing most of what's required," Mr Webster said.
If New Zealand was to see a decrease in high levels of foodborne illness, food business operators needed to take responsibility, he said.
"This plan provides a system to help them do just that."
Operators who would like more information about Food Control Plans could contact the Environmental Health team on 03 450-0300, or check www.nzfsa.govt.nz.
