Vincent chefs to brush up on food hygeine

by Kema Rajandran

April 16, 2008

A NEW course for food handlers is being developed by the Town of Vincent and Challenger TAFE.

“Foodborne illness affects millions of Australians every year and incidents occur as a result of incorrect food handling,” town health services manager Alison Giles explained. “We want to reduce the risk of people becoming sick from eating foods.”

At a cost of $70, local food businesses, from July, will be able to undertake the nationally accredited Safe Food Handling Program.

“There is a requirement under the food safety standards for proprietors and food handlers to be equipped with the appropriate skills and knowledge in regards to food safety and food hygiene,” Ms Giles said.

Completion of the course will help people better understand the requirements of food legislation, and reduce the risk of food poisoning. The training will roll out from July this year.

“It is a flexible, self-paced, online program providing food handlers with the necessary skills and knowledge without having to attend lectures,” TAFE spokesman Markus Beuke said.

Mr Beuke said the program is already underway in Mandurah. Although initial uptake was slow, more chefs, cooks and restaurateurs were appreciating it.

Training will not initially be compulsory for food handlers in Vincent, but that may change with a new food act working its way through the intestines of WA parliament.

Vincent will encourage local food handlers to do the training, and is already working with businesses that scored unsatisfactory and marginal results in recent council health surveys.

John Napolitano, who manages Sienna’s restaurant in Leederville was not aware of the impending training.

“There are a lot of people out there who don’t have any idea about proper food handling,” he said.  “So I think it’s a great idea.”