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General
Is there any written information that can be sent out in conjunction with the certificate?
There is a range of flyers explaining Scores on Doors, in a variety of languages available for bulk order. Councils have also created and shared a range of resources, such as letters and self- assessment checklists, available on request.
Is Scores on Doors information available in languages other than English?
The 3 most common Scores on Doors factsheets have been translated into 8 languages other than English and are available on the translations section of the Food Authority website.
Should I only give certificates to businesses that request one?
The Food Authority requests that you issue a certificate to every business eligible to receive one. Asking businesses to sign a contract or to request a certificate has been shown to be a significant barrier to participation and hinders the effectiveness of the program.
Is council liable if there is an outbreak of food poisoning at a business displaying a Scores on Doors certificate?
It is the duty of the business owner to comply with relevant food legislation.
Non-compliance
I don’t feel comfortable issuing a business with a 3 star certificate when they still have several non compliances.
The FPAR scoring is weighted according to scientific advice on food safety. If a business has several minor non compliances then the actual risk to food safety is still quite minimal. However please remember that if you intend on taking enforcement action based on the findings of your inspection, you are not to issue the business a star rating.
Does an authorised officer have the right to remove a certificate or sticker from a food business?
Yes, the certificate and sticker remains the property of the issuing council and can therefore be removed at any time by council staff. It is recommended that the officer remove the certificate and sticker at the start of any visit to a business before a new rating is determined.
Can I withhold a certificate from a business if they have outstanding fees?
Almost all participating councils issue Scores on Doors certificates regardless of whether fees have been paid. The Food Authority supports this approach. If you are considering withholding a certificate because of outstanding fees, you should first ensure a written policy on the issue has been approved by your council.
Scores
How do I score a business that has multiple preparation or serving areas?
Each food premises receives a single inspection report and star rating. For example, an RSL with multiple bars, a bistro and a dining room all serviced by a single central kitchen will receive one rating. A large sports venue with several kitchens or preparation areas each under separate management could each be treated as separate inspections and separate ratings.
How should councils manage requests from businesses wanting a better star rating?
Council is free to set a policy determining whether they will review the rating of a business on request and the fee they would charge. To assist, see Retail Food Business Rating Program Guidelines (PDF, 305 KB), which includes a section on reviews.
Can the council reduce the inspection frequency of a business based on their star rating?
Council must inspect all high and medium risk retail businesses at least annually, unless by written agreement with the Food Authority. The Food Authority encourages councils to increase the frequency of inspection for businesses that fail to achieve a rating.
Is it possible that the consumer could be confused into thinking the score is a measure of food quality not safety?
The Scores on Doors certificates and other promotional materials clearly state that the star rating is a measure of hygiene and food safety. The use of a star rating opposed to another scoring method was carefully considered in the 2013 review of the Scores on Doors program conducted in consultation with industry bodies and participating councils.
Why don’t the scoring descriptions (such as 3 stars = Good) accurately inform consumers of a business’s performance?
The Food Authority believes the system strikes the right balance between informing consumers and prompting improvements to food safety. The scores are risk rated and are designed to incentivise businesses to improve their performance in these aspects.
If there is any major failure noted during the inspection, or if a council is undertaking enforcement action, then a certificate is not issued by council. This eliminates from the program any business that has significant or longstanding food safety issues.
Promoting / publishing results
Does council have to promote businesses that get a star rating?
Scores on Doors simply makes transparent the result of the inspection to promote food safety. A business that receives a star rating can share that with customers if they wish.
There is no requirement for councils to maintain online databases of results. Several councils have implemented ways of promoting the star ratings of the businesses in their area and this has helped encourage their local businesses to seek a higher rating.
What legal right do councils have to publish a business’s score?
While it is understandably very difficult to make a blanket statement on this issue, generally there is no reason why you cannot publish inspection results unless there is a clear reason not to. Under the Government Information (Public Access) Act, there is a presumption that information such as the result of a food inspection would normally be released unless there is a significant reason not to. If a council is concerned in a particular case they should seek further advice.