Council working with eateries during COVID

Do the words ‘food surveillance’ and ‘food inspector’ make you think of hidden cameras or a hard-boiled detective?

The terminology might seem intimidating, but rest assured Council’s food inspector isn’t up to any tricky business – she’s here to help our community.

Sue Anderson has worked with Ballina Shire Council for 19 years and has become a familiar face while doing her rounds. There are currently 280 food outlets registered with Council, and 90 market food stalls. Every year Sue conducts inspections of these premises to ensure they are meeting current food regulations. She assesses cleaning and sanitising, pest control, food handling, and maintenance of premises and equipment.

Sue says businesses are often grateful to have up to date information and appreciate having the opportunity to make changes when needed.

“My aim is to be open and approachable. Certainly when there’s a problem there may need to be firmer follow up, but I prefer to work alongside businesses and if there’s a problem we talk about it and sort it out.”

While inspections are a big part of her role, Sue is also the go-to person for questions related to food hygiene and food safety. Requests can range from how to set up a new food shop, market stall or home-based business; to Development Application referrals for new food outlets; to questions about COVID-19. Over the past six months Sue has been working hard to keep businesses up to date with changing public health orders through regular communication and routine inspections.

“I make sure businesses are aware that they need to have a COVID Safety Plan and need to register as COVID Safe with NSW Health. When I’m doing the inspections I make sure they’ve got the right information and appropriate procedures in place,” says Sue.

“It’s been tough on businesses but for the most part I’m amazed at how people take it in their stride.”

For Sue, the most rewarding part of her role is being out in the community, meeting people and truly making a difference to the way we live. While she never planned to specialise in food safety after completing her degree in Applied Science and Environmental Health, it’s turned out to be a fulfilling career.

“I’m learning all the time and the longer you work with Council the more you realise you are never alone, which I love. There are lots of amazing projects happening and lots of hard work and innovation.”

GOT A FOOD SAFETY QUESTION?

Email pehd@ballina.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 864 444 for more information.

Download Covid-19 Resources and Information at ballina.nsw.gov.au/covid