Calls for stricter regulations for food outlets

Local pest control companies say all food outlets should have a pest control plan in place to prevent common problems of cockroaches and rats.

Rotorua's cafes, restaurants and food outlets received 30 complaints in the past year with calls being made for stricter regulations to be put into place.

The Rotorua Lakes Council monitors 490 registered food premises, ranging from school canteens selling pre-packaged food products, through to high-end restaurants.

Complaints received by the council since July 1 last year were in relation to food handling practices and suspected food-related illnesses.

"Of these, eight were referred to Toi Te Ora Public Health for investigation as they related to possible food poisoning, which falls under their jurisdiction," the council's compliance solutions manager Neven Hill said.

"Council staff assist and co-operate with any such investigation where required and ensure that food safety aspects of registered food premises are up to the required standard."

The council has an inspection schedule which varies depending on the perceived risk of each establishment. The risk is assessed by taking into account elements such as a premises' past history, the type of food preparation undertaken, and the inherent risk around the types of food products being sold or provided, Mr Hill said.

"Of all cases investigated only one required the premises to be temporarily closed while cleaning and maintenance issues were addressed and those premises were cleared to re-open with five days of the closure."

Mr Hill said in most of the cases, managers of premises received a warning requiring them to comply with correct procedures to be followed for issues such as staff hygiene, appropriate food storage temperatures and correct onsite food handling.
"In all of these cases the identified issues were rectified by the operators, requiring no further action to be taken by the council.

"As Rotorua is a premium tourist destination council staff are particularly conscious of the need to ensure that the standards of our food premises are maintained at high levels, and they treat all complaints received seriously," he said.

"The vast majority of Rotorua's registered food premises' owners and operators clearly have pride in the products and services they have on offer. It's a credit to them that the council receives a relatively low number of complaints compared to the substantial number of food premises we have within our district."

Local pest control companies said cockroaches and rats were the main pest issue for restaurants and cafes.

Alpeco Alternative Pest Control managing director Heiko Kaiser said they regularly inspected their clients businesses as part of their monitoring programme.
"The frustration for those places is the neighbours who might do nothing or have no plan in place. I also think the council should not judge on pests, as they are not qualified to do so, unless they are a certified pest controller and PMANZ Pest Management Association Member," Mr Kaiser said.

"A third party should audit and report back and then the council could action the situation. An infested property should be closed immediately if proven that they failed to implement recommendations unless they have been done and signed off by the professional and authorised body."

Manager of Bay Pest Services Chris Brunel said until regulations were tightened, some food outlets will not be compelled to take action.

"I think anyone dealing with the sale of food should have a pest control plan. When you go into a restaurant or cafe, you really don't know what their pest control standard is like. There is nothing to indicate on the wall that they've been treated for cockroaches or rodents," Mr Brunel said.

"While the vast majority are probably pretty good, there are a still a number that aren't that great."