DH’s statewide food safety reporting does not include useful or timely information about how effectively councils are managing food safety. DH and councils need better performance data to measure food safety outcomes.

The LGPRF provides some insight into the efficiency and effectiveness of food safety management. However, councils do not always calculate results consistently and it is difficult to assess their performance without targets.

Not all the audited councils are meeting all their obligations under the Food Act.

None of the audited councils consistently use active surveillance to find unregistered food premises. They are also not assessing or inspecting all food premises.

The councils are responsive to community complaints and provide procedural fairness. However, they could improve their recording and reporting of food safety complaints.

Food safety is a critical aspect of public health and wellbeing. Worldwide, an estimated 600 million people fall ill each year after consuming contaminated food. An estimated 420,000 of those die. In Australia, approximately 4.7 million cases of foodborne illness cost the community $2.4 billion a year.

This section summarises our key findings for regulating food safety. Sections 2, 3 and 4 detail our complete findings, including supporting evidence.

The agencies we examined were the Department of Health (DH), City of Casey (Casey), City of Greater Geelong (Geelong), Hepburn Shire Council (Hepburn), City of Kingston (Kingston) and Manningham City Council (Manningham).

When reaching our conclusions, we consulted with the audited agencies and considered their views. The agencies’ full responses are in Appendix A.

We made 10 recommendations to address 3 issues. The relevant agencies have accepted or partially accepted these recommendations.

Download a PDF copy of Appendix: Abbreviations, acronyms and glossary.

We deliver a range of attest services to public sector agencies. We conduct financial audits in line with the Australian Auditing Standards and other relevant professional and legislative requirements.

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We plan to deliver 22 performance engagements in 2023–24 across our 7 performance audit sectors. 

The Auditor-General gives independent assurance to Parliament and the community about the Victorian public sector's financial integrity and performance. VAGO assists with this.

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