The council officers inspect businesses and rate their hygiene and food safety standards according to various levels of compliance with the Food Standards Code: Excellent (five stars), Very Good (four stars) and Good (three stars).

The rating includes such things as food temperature control, food prepared in advance of service, food handler hygiene, cleaning and sanitisation and pest control.

The state-wide program aims to improve food safety standards and reduce the instance of foodborne illness.

The council’s new food inspection policy also introduces a risk-based inspection regime that rewards businesses with a proven track record of excellent food handling practices with the opportunity to reduce their annual inspections.

The council’s environmental services manager Deb Lenson expects the majority of Eurobodalla food retailers will receive ‘Very Good’ and ‘Excellent’ ratings due to the very high level of compliance in the region.

“The Scores on Doors system gives customers an idea of what’s going on in the kitchen and out the back at their favourite restaurants, cafés or takeaways,” she said.

“Scores on Doors offers businesses a fantastic opportunity to show customers just how seriously they take food hygiene and the results they have achieved by displaying a rating certificate and sticker on their door.

“What was previously only known to inspectors is now available to diners. It also creates greater consistency in food hygiene inspections around NSW, as councils use standardised inspection checklists, and gives greater visibility and transparency of compliance by food businesses.”

There are about 230 food retail businesses in the Eurobodalla and eligible businesses for the Scores on Doors program include restaurants, takeaways, cafes, pub bistros, bakeries, hotels, clubs and licensed food premises.