Download Doggy Bags - Gosford City Council

Doggy
Bags
Doggy bags differ from other take-away foods.
Take-away foods are intended to be eaten
away from the premises, and are served
by the food business at the appropriate
temperature and in appropriate takeaway
containers.
The term doggy bag developed when food
left uneaten at a restaurant was taken
home for the family pet.
However, many customers will take
doggy bags home and consume that food
themselves, but at a later time.
Many customers are unaware that uneaten
food taken from a restaurant or cafe in
a doggy bag may be unsafe for human
consumption.
Risks of doggy bags
Food for doggy bags can be exposed to a
number of hazards:
• High-risk food left in the Temperature
Danger Zone (between 5°C and 60°C)
can have increased levels of food
poisoning bacteria.
•
Handling by the consumer can
contaminate the food with food
poisoning bacteria.
•
Cross contamination between cooked
and uncooked foods with food
poisoning bacteria.
Community
Doggy bags are not prohibited
by law
There are no laws that prevent restaurants
and cafes from giving customers doggy bags.
Minimising the risks
There are some ways food businesses can
minimise risks:
•
Have a procedure in the Food Safety
Program for dealing with doggy bags.
•
Have a leaflet or messages on menus
explaining the risks of doggy bags to
consumers.
•
Seek advice from an insurer.
For further information on this topic,
please contact council on 4325 8222.