General Circular - Auditing restrictions on licensed dairy farms and vulnerable persons facilities to be lifted

An important update from the NSW Food Authority for all approved Third Party Auditors (TPAs).

Auditing restrictions on licensed dairy farms and vulnerable persons facilities to be lifted

As of 1 June 2020, restrictions placed on licenced dairy farms and vulnerable persons (VP) facilities
will be lifted.

TPAs who are attending VP facilities or dairy farms, should inquire with the licensee or facility manager of any entry requirements before conducting the audit.

As an additional precautionary measure, TPAs who undertake audits at VP facilities are advised to take measures to prevent undue contact with vulnerable people. TPAs are advised to remain in the preparation area of facilities and stay clear of serveries where contact with people may occur. The Food Authority has been advised that many aged care facilities will not permit visitors, including auditors, unless evidence of a current flu vaccination can be provided.

The Food Authority is supporting licensed businesses with a 90-day grace period, from 1 June 2020. Any business that was due for a food safety audit between 23 March 2020 and 1 June 2020 will not be penalised for overdue audits. Therefore these facilities will need to have had an audit conducted by 31 August 2020.

Information about COVID-19 for food businesses is available on the NSW Food Authority website:

http://www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/help/covid-19-advice-for-businesses

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) has activated a new team and launched online resources to help primary industries navigate the challenges and impacts of COVID-19. COVID-19 related information for industry, including contact information, is available on the NSW DPI website:

www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/home/covid-19

The NSW Government continues to work with national and international agencies to provide the most up to date information as this issue evolves. The NSW Government recommends that people follow NSW Health guidelines for more information.

For more information about this Circular, please call the NSW Food Authority helpline on 1300 552 406 or email: food.contact@dpi.nsw.gov.au