Food Premises Gradings at a Glance

Diners can check out the food safety gradings of restaurants, bars, cafes and take-away food outlets before they decide where to eat, with a new on-line database available on the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s website.

Regulatory Manager Lee Webster said that the information provided the grading from the most recent inspection, and an explanation of what it meant. There were four possible grades – A through D – which reflected personal hygiene practices of staff, temperature control, food protection, cleaning and sanitising, structural aspects of the premises, and staff training.

An “A” grade is excellent, “B” is good, “C” is average and “D” is unacceptable.

Mr Webster said it was very pleasing that that over 350 premises were graded either excellent or good, and none were found to be unacceptable.

By publicising the gradings, QLDC hoped people would use the information to make more informed choices about where to dine or buy ready-made food.

Premises which have recently opened or have had a change of operator may be graded “P” meaning that they are awaiting inspection.

The gradings are on-line at www.qldc.govt.nz under the “I Want To …” section.

ENDS

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