The NSW Government is preparing to launch a standardised state wide so called “scores on doors” system to rate the food safety and hygiene standards of foodservice businesses.

NSW Primary Industries Minister Steve Whan said the voluntary system will be trialled by a representative group of 12 councils from July 1 for a six month period ahead of the state-wide commencement of the system on July 1 next year.

“This Scores on Doors system will provide the consumers of NSW with point of sale information indicating how well foodservice businesses comply with food hygiene standards during inspections,” Mr Whan said.

“This will improve food hygiene compliance in those businesses and, as a result, reduce foodborne illness in NSW.”

Mr Whan said the Scores on Doors system will feature a “simple, easy to recognise ranking system” of an A, B or C, where A represents the highest level of compliance possible.

“From 1 July 2011 people will be able to look for the Scores on Doors certificate displayed in their local café or food outlet,” he said.

“We want to ensure there is consistency in standards across all local councils, so that an A rating in Bronte is the same as an A rating in Bathurst.

“The NSW food industry already has a great reputation, but this new ratings system is about giving people the power to vote with their feet.

“Just as our Name and Shame list informs people of who is doing the wrong thing, it is only fair we also reward good performance, Scores on Doors does that.”