The Lord Howe Island Board (LHIB) has a statutory obligation to implement food safety standards on the Island. The Board has developed a Food Safety Program which aims to minimise the risks associated with the consumption of food sold on the Island.
Routine inspections
Every business selling food on the Island must notify the NSW Food Authority and may be inspected periodically by an Environmental Health Officer without notice.
The Food Safety inspection ensures compliance with applicable food legislation and provides an opportunity to educate food handling staff and business proprietors on food safety.
The introduction of good food safety practices not only reduces the risks associated with food poisoning but also promotes customer confidence, which can have a flow on effect to increased business trade.
Administration charges
Each food business must pay an annual administration charge. The charge is based on the size of the business and the number of full-time equivalent food handlers. This charge includes one routine inspection of the food business each year.
Enquiries and complaints
The Board's Environmental Health Officer is available to offer professional advice and instruction on food-related matters to proprietors of food businesses, food handling staff and the general public. Enquiries and complaints are important as they help in the regulation of food businesses and in directing the content of future educational programs.
Enquiries and complaints can be directed to the Manager Environment and Community Services at the Lord Howe Island Board.
The Board will investigate general complaints about food businesses, however, foodborne illness (food poisoning) complaints should be directed to the NSW Food Authority.