Food grading system chewed over as regulations set to change

Similar food grading bylaw run by Wanganui District Council. Photo/Bevan Conley

Rangitikei diners could soon be able to see how there favourite eateries stack up in the food safety department.

Rangitikei District Council is consulting a food business grading bylaw, which will mean outlets will be examined and received a A, B, D or E grading which would have to be displayed in-store.

When the Food Act comes into effect in 2016 it will override food control bylaws. But councils can still create bylaws around food grading.

"A number of places right throughout the country have this sort of thing," mayor Andy Watson said. There would likely be a phase-in period where businesses would be graded but would not have to display the grading.

The grading system would be beneficial for customers, who now expected such systems, and businesses, Mr Watson said.

The draft bylaw will be open for consultation from September 8 with oral submissions to be heard on October 30.