Health Portfolio Report - 20 July 2016

Health Services

Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) Act 2003

Environmental Services is presently completing its reporting obligations for the Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) Act 2003 (the Act) to the Queensland Government for the 2015/2016 financial year.  Local Government has been devolved responsibilities under this legislation to superintend on behalf of the state. The purpose of the Act is to ensure and demonstrate to the community that acceptable infection control standards for businesses providing personal appearance services in Queensland are being achieved.

Food Act 2006

Environmental Services is working on reporting responsibilities for the Food Act 2006 concerning the 2015-2016 reporting period.  This is another State Government piece of legislation that Local Government has certain obligations to administer on behalf of the State.

Queensland Health has noticed that there has been an increase in the number of foodborne illness notifications associated with Salmonella and Campylobacter this year.  Raw or partially cooked eggs can often be linked to Salmonella food poisoning incidents.  Consequently, the State are requesting Local governments to collect additional data for them about egg handling and the use of raw or undercooked eggs in food businesses during the upcoming scheduled food inspections, which will be collated for the 2016-2017 reporting period.

RSPCA De-sexing Initiative

“Operation Wanted” the RSPCA yearly statewide de-sexing initiative continues this month.   Animal owners are encouraged to be responsible and arrange for their pets to be de-sexed with relevant prices at participating vets discounted some 20% during this campaign.  “Operation Wanted” concludes on 31 August 2016 so I urge residents to consider the advantages to having their pets de-sexed such as cheaper Council registration fees.

For more information and how to find your local participating vets go to www.operationwanted.com.au.