Council gives ‘Scores on Doors’ the tick of approval

Friday, 1 April 2016

Council will support the roll-out of a new food safety program allowing customers to see the food safety, health and hygiene inspection results of local food businesses.

The 'Scores on Doors' Program is part of the Food Regulation Partnership between the NSW Food Authority and local government, and has already been implemented by 53 Councils across NSW. 

The Program has a star rating system which rewards food businesses operating at a high standard and encourages all food businesses to raise or maintain their standards. Certificates are issued after an inspection which can be displayed voluntarily in shop windows or counters.

Penrith Mayor Councillor Karen McKeown said 'Scores on Doors' is a positive way for local food businesses to promote themselves.

"We've all read reviews of cafes and restaurants on social media or online which are based on customer experience and are often skewed by personal preference. The 'Scores on Doors' program balances these informal reviews with a consistent, informed rating based on health, hygiene and food safety conditions, "Cr McKeown said.

"Council has been approached by some local food businesses requesting we implement 'Scores on Doors' as they've seen how successful it is in other areas. They see value in this rating system, because most of them are doing the right thing and this program rewards them for it.

"There are more than 800 food businesses in Penrith with the vast majority following safe food practices. We'll continue to work closely with them over the next few months and where possible, make changes to the Program to accommodate their feedback," Cr McKeown said.

Council is seeking feedback and submissions from the community about the 'Scores on Doors' program until Friday 29 April 2016. Submissions may be hand delivered to 601 High Street, Penrith, posted to PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751, faxed to 4732 7958 or emailed attention to Michael Middleton - Health Team Leader at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The 'Scores on Doors' Program

• 'The Scores on Doors' program will be implemented across Penrith from 1 July 2016.
• 'The Scores on Doors' program is intended for food businesses including restaurants, pub bistros, hotels, cafes, bakeries, clubs, takeaway outlets, supermarkets, delicatessens, service stations and convenience stores.
• Inspections undertaken as part of the Program will be completed by Council's Environmental Health Officers as part of Council's current Food Safety Program.
• During an inspection, food businesses will be assessed against a standardised food safety checklist already being used by Council and assigned a 3, 4 or 5 star rating reflecting their performance.
• Council will provide the food business with a certificate which depicts the star rating achieved during the inspection. The business owner can then decide if they want to display the certificate in a prominent position, usually the front window or door or inside the business.
• Council will publish the ratings for food businesses on its website.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Friday, 1 April 2016.