The safe consumption of food is essential for our physical well-being. If food is not handled correctly, food-borne illness can occur in various situations - at home, work, school, dining out, camping or at the family barbecue.

Given the number of cases of food borne illness in Australia each year, and the financial implications for the broader community and the health care system, the typical causes are generally well understood, and in most instances the personal inconvenience and illness are preventable.

Observing good management practices in handling food in all situations will minimise the likelihood of cases of food-borne illness, such as; nausea, fever, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, etc., which may last for some days and can even lead to hospitilisation in some cases.

Lachlan Shire Council employs staff who specialise in environmental health activities and who carry out a broad range of inspections from both an educational and enforcement perspective.

Council officers conduct regular inspections, and the random unannounced inspections by Council officers are designed to:

• Ensure that food is being handled and produced hygienically and will be safe to eat
• Minimise the potential risk for food poisoning
• Ensure that business operators and food handlers have appropriate skills and knowledge in food safety and food hygiene
• Inspect premises and assess the condition of the equipment and appliances
• Ensure appropriate pest control measures are in place
• Assess personal hygiene practices

Council has developed a Food Inspection Management Plan which aims to provide Council and the owners / operators of food businesses within the Lachlan Shire with a designated schedule of Food Management within the Shire.  Council also has the following policies which relate to Food Businesses within the Lachlan Shire and these include:

1. Guidelines for Food Vending Vehicles and Temporary Food Stalls (Adopted by Council,  February 2000)

1. Local Policy Footpath Restaurants and Street Trading Stands (Adopted by Council June 2006)

The main legislation is the Standards adopted under the provisions of the Food Regulation 2004, the Food Act 2003 and the Food Standards Code.