Department of Health
MEDIA  RELEASE

2 December 2002

FOOD SAFETY FOR CHARITIES AND COMMUNITY GROUPS

Organisers of school sausage sizzles and community fetes have nothing to fear from South Australia’s new food preparation standards.

Brian Delroy, Manager Food Safety Section, from the Department of Health says the aim of the new food legislation is to improve community health by decreasing the incidence of food-borne disease.

“That will be done through ensuring the safety and suitability of foods produced and consumed in SA, no matter whether it is handled by a large food manufacturing business, the corner deli or the local community group,” says Mr Delroy.

“There are no barriers or cut offs for food-borne disease, it can emanate from any source.

“All businesses that handle food for sale, or sell food, are classified as food businesses under the new legislation and are required to produce safe and suitable food.

“Charity and community groups running sausage sizzles for example will be exempt from the food handling skills and knowledge requirements of the new laws if the food is to be consumed immediately after cooking.

“That goes for all food that is potentially hazardous – if it’s to be consumed straightaway after being cooked it is exempt from the new law.”

Charity and community groups are also exempt from the skills and knowledge requirement where a fundraising event is held if the food is not potentially hazardous. Examples of that would be cakes, biscuits and jams.

Fundraising activities are also exempt from the new labelling legislation that comes into effect throughout Australia on 20 December.

“However, while charities and community groups are exempt from some of the provisions of the new Food Act, everyone providing food for sale needs to ensure its safety,” says Mr Delroy.

”This means that they will be required to meet standards dealing with general hygiene and food handling controls.”

Over 3,000 charity and community food safety information kits have been distributed by Councils throughout SA to assist this sector understand how the legislation affects them. 

The kits provide information, fact sheets and resources to help with the uptake of the legislation and are available from Councils or by contacting the Environmental Health Service of DH on 8226-7100.

Community groups have also been very well represented at a series of 30 food safety information sessions held throughout the State during November and this week.

Media contact: Brian Delroy, Manager, Food Safety Section, Environmental Health Service, DH. 8226-7121 or 0402 890 321

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