Butcher queries name, shame list

By Daisy Huntly
Updated November 7 2012 - 12:54pm, first published April 27 2010 - 11:31pm

EIGHT months after being added to the list, a Wagga butcher has called into question the effectiveness of the NSW Food Authority's Name and Shame register.Last September, the Kooringal Butchery received a fine for the alleged offence of failing to maintain the food premises to the required standard of cleanliness. Despite paying the fine and cleaning the drain in question, the locally-renowned butchery is still on the list, in the company of businesses adding illegal preservatives to their food and operating in filthy conditions.Manager of Kooringal Butchery Anthony Francis said the shame list has its place, but was unsure why his business was still on it."I think mine was for a dirty drain, I think that's pretty minor," he said."When your name goes up with the Food Authority, it doesn't look too good."I think it depends on what it's for. It depends on how bad it is, there are dirty shops out there." The Fitzmaurice Street branch of KFC was also fined $660 in mid-2009 relating to cleanliness of the premises.Late last week, a Sydney butcher was fined almost $5000 for adding sulphur dioxide, an illegal preservative, to mince to make it appear redder, brighter or fresher at Yagoona Halal Meats. Yagoona Halal Meats is now on the list alongside the Kooringal Butchery.According to the Food Authority, penalties that are able to be published remain on the list for 12 months, regardless of the severity of the breach. "I think it's a good idea, but use a bit of common sense," Mr Francis said.

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