Final grades out for Labasa food eateries
Forty-five restaurants and food outlets in Labasa have been graded by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Labasa health office team.
This was in an effort to provide customers and food lovers the best means to choose their next eating destination.
Divisional Health Inspector for the Northern Division, Vakaruru Cavuilati, confirmed the final grading was completed last Friday.
The last grading was in 2019 and the new assessment allowed them to track new operators. Mr Cavuilati said the new grading system would promote tourism and provide better food standard.
He said the grading was to ensure customers enjoy eating better quality food dishes.
Three operators were ranked in the A-grade category namely, Ethan’s Café, North Pole Bar & Grill and Galaxy Hotels and Apartment catering.
Two sets of 21 food outlets each were ranked in the B and C grade category.
The grading is valid for one year only.
Mr Cavuilati said they were some operators that closed their restaurants for a few days to rectify issues and at least acquire a C-grade rating.
“We had some operators who were ranked in the D-grade after our first and second assessments, but later rectified faults to move into C-grade”.
These rectifications included improvement to its kitchen standards, provision of easy cleaning surface, avoidance of wooden chopping boards, exhaust cleaning and having cleaning records in place.
The team initially conducted the General Hygiene Practice (GHP) training in Labasa in July this year, where 32 food outlet operators were present to understand the Food Safety Regulation 2009 guidelines.