Minister fiddles while restaurant goers forced to play Russian roulette

Commenting on an article on page 7 in today’s Sydney Morning Herald, Dr Kaye said “The Minister spent 2007 promising action but has not delivered. In May, the Minister said he was committed to publish the results of restaurant  inspections. All that was needed was a short review to sort out the details.

“Nothing happened and he missed the opportunity to introduce any form of name and shame when the government amended the Food Act in October of last year. At the time he again promised action ‘hopefully some time in the Spring Session’.

“By December, Ian Macdonald told the NSW parliament he was ready to go with disclosure. He even had the press release written. Yet 2007 ended with no announcement of relief for the hundreds of restaurant goers who are stricken with food poisoning each year.

“It is unacceptable for the Minister to delay for so long. The results of food inspections need to be made public to expose dodgy food outlets.

“The current position is bad public policy. In parts of Europe and the USA, the latest inspection results are either posted to the door of the restaurant or available on the internet.

“Publication is the only way to keep food outlets safe and the inspection authorities honest.

“Action on dodgy restaurants is urgent. Each year contaminated food puts about 18,000 Australians in hospital and causes 120 deaths.

“Food Authority Minister Ian Macdonald needs to stand up to the restaurant industry and protect consumers by putting real pressure on dodgy restaurants to clean up their kitchens

“Minister Macdonald’s office’s last word was that he would legislate in the first session of parliament this year. The Greens welcome this commitment but this time it has to be more than just words,” said Dr Kaye.