New food safety requirements apply soon

New food safety requirements apply to school canteens, childcare centres, supermarkets, coffee vendors selling food and boarding schools next month.

The national standard mandating staff training and risk management procedures was enforceable to most food businesses from 8 December 2023, however, some business types in NSW received a 12-month extension and now have just weeks left to prepare.

The rules only apply to businesses that sell or serve ready to eat unpackaged food that needs to be kept hot or cold to stay safe – packaged food, and products like confectionary and cakes, are generally not captured.

Most outlets need to arrange formal Food Safety Supervisor training for at least one person in the business and ensure all food handlers have general food safety skills and knowledge.

Higher-risk businesses must also be able to show they are managing key food safety risks.
Mr Ken Ross, General Manager of Wentworth Shire Council said the standard aimed to further prevent people becoming sick from eating unsafe food.

“Residents, visitors and workers in Wentworth Shire demand a high level of food safety at the places they eat at every day,” Mr Ross said.

“We know the vast majority of our local food businesses take food safety seriously. These new measures further strengthen practices and processes to ensure our consumers can continue to enjoy their food knowing it’s safe to eat.”

Mr Ross said council would take an educative approach with local businesses as they transitioned to the new requirements.

For more information, visit the NSW Food Authority website foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/safetytools

The Murray River – Best of the World

It’s official – the Murray River has been named as one of the Best Destinations in the world!

According to National Geographic, the Murray River has profiled among 25 Top Destinations in the prestigious ‘Best of the World’ List for 2025. The annual list was unveiled today to help travellers plan ahead for their next holiday.

Wentworth Shire is incredibly grateful to be part of the Visit the Murray region and the Murray Regional Tourism team. Wentworth and Surrounds are only one region located along the mighty Murray River, but together, we have created a destination that has now been recognised globally.

The full list of the BEST OF THE WORLD 2025 is available online now at NatGeo.com/BestOfTheWorldMurray River offers something for everyone. Explore its beauty and experience one of the world’s best destinations.

For more information, contact the Wentworth Visitor Centre at (03) 5027 5080.

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 Councils along the Murray River include:

• New South Wales (NSW):
  • Albury City Council, Federation Council, Berrigan Shire Council, Murray River Council, Edward River Council, Wentworth Shire Council
• Victoria (VIC):
  • Towong Shire, City of Wodonga, Indigo Shire, Moira Shire, Campaspe Shire, Gannawarra Shire, Swan Hill Rural City Council, Mildura Rural City Council
• South Australia (SA):
  • District Council of Karoonda East Murray, Mid Murray Council, Rural City of Murray Bridge, Coorong District Council, Renmark Paringa Council, Berri Barmera Council, Loxton Waikerie Council

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