Cutting Edge November 2015
Welcome to the final edition of The Cutting Edge for 2015. On behalf of the
Community Health Team we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Keep your diners safe
Different populations around the world have varied problems with allergic reactions
to food.
In Australia, most food allergies are caused by:
 peanuts
 tree nuts
 milk
 eggs
 sesame seeds
 fish
 shellfish
 soy
 wheat.
In Australia during 2014, there were 24 recalls of food that contained undeclared
allergens, an increase on the 16 recalls during 2013.
In the Food Standards Code clause 2 of Standard 1.2.1 there is a requirement that
the presence of any amount of peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, sesame seeds, fish
and shellfish, soy and wheat must be declared on (i) packaged food or declared on
food being displayed (unpackaged food) or in connection with the display, or (ii)
declared to the purchaser upon request.
Steps to take to prevent accidents
Raise staff awareness regarding allergen cross contamination. What are the
implications of using a serving utensil, knife or chopping board that has been used
on food containing allergens?
Store allergenic ingredients away from food that is suitable for allergen sufferers.
List allergen information on menus.
Further information can be found at www.foodstandards.gov.
Food Handling Seminar
Council’s Community Health Services team is offering a basic food handler seminar
for local food businesses and volunteers.
When:
Time:
Cost:
Tuesday 1 December 2015
2pm to 5pm
$25 per person (incl. GST)
Where: Croydon Service Centre, Civic Square, Croydon
Topics to be covered include:
• Causes and sources of food poisoning
• Personal hygiene
• Temperature control
• Cleaning and sanitising.
This course is designed for food handling staff as either an introduction or a
refresher. It is not an accredited course for meeting Food Safety Supervisor
qualifications. It is to assist Food Safety Supervisors who require help in training their
food staff.
To book online please visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au or contact the Community
Health team on 9294 5603.
Alternatively, if you prefer to undertake training online, then please visit
http://dofoodsafely.health.vic.gov.au/welcome.php
How to keep those pests away?
The Mint-X Rodent and Cockroach Repellant Garbage bags have been recently
introduced to the Australian market. These bags are made from four natural oils, are
chemical free, and proven to repel rats and cockroaches. They are safe for humans
and pets, and are approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines
Authority.
Find the bags at www.tailoredpackaging.com.au and www.mint-x.com.au
Introducing our new Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
Welcome to Mitali Khandawala
What do you love about your job?
I like that I am able to meet people and that our work has a social conscience.
How long have you been an EHO?
Six years. I started at Knox City Council as a student, and moved to Stonnington,
Casey and joined Maroondah City Council three months ago.
What is the most rewarding thing about being an EHO?
I feel that I am making a difference. I really like to meet people from different
backgrounds and hear about how passionate they are about their business.
It is a dynamic industry where every day there is always change.
What are your hobbies?
I love to travel and I am interested in outdoor adventure sports, art, photography and
anything creative. I also like to read, socialise and keep fit.
Food Recalls
A recall is an action taken to remove from distribution, sale of an item which may
pose a health and safety risk to consumers.
A food recall action is usually required if there is a reasonable possibility that use or
consumption of the food would cause harm to health. Reasons for recall could
include contamination by pathogenic bacteria or the presence of chemicals or foreign
matter (e.g. pieces of glass, metal or plastic) that could cause physical harm to a
person consuming the food.
Action may also be required for other issues that pose a potential health risk such as
incorrect labelling (eg. allergens such as peanuts, milk or milk products not being
declared on the label, or incorrect/insufficient cooking instructions).
It is a legal requirement under Standard 3.2.2 of the Food Standards Code for
manufacturers, wholesalers and importers of food to have a system in place to
ensure the recall of unsafe food.
There will be more information on food recalls in the March 2016 issue. Please call
the Community Health team on 9292 5603 if you need further information.