All food stores may find the information on this website useful, however it has been written particularly with Victorian based butchers, fishmongers, poulterers and delicatessens and their customers in mind. Check out our partner organisation Trashless Takeaway for additional resources that may be useful for other business types.
The Act, Code and Regulations
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) develops and maintains the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (Code) which is enforced by state and territory departments, agencies and local councils in Australia. Currently there is no provision under the Victorian Food Act 1984 (Act), the Code or the Primesafe or Dairy Food Safety Victoria Regulations (Regulations) which expressly prohibits stores from accepting reusable customer containers*. Whether or not a business accepts customer containers is ultimately an individual management decision. For those businesses that choose to accept customer containers this can be done so safely, provided basic hygiene measures are followed in accordance with the relevant Act, Code and Regulations.
*Note market stalls are an exception, as these may be required to package produce (such as meat) before transport to market.
For additional information check out gippslandunwrapped.com/2016/08/18/the-law-using-reusable-containers/
Safety
The FSANZ Standards Appendix 6 outlines several effective methods for how to clean and sanitise utensils and food contact surfaces, such as containers. The simplest of which are outlined below and are readily achievable by customers in the home:
Advice for Businesses
The onus is rightly on customers to provide suitable containers as outlined below. Stores have the right to refuse any containers they feel are unsuitable or unsafe.
How to get involved?
Unsuitable container
If a customer presents you with a container you feel presents a contamination risk, is not designed to be reused or is unsuitable for any reason politely decline to accept it.
Advice for Customers
Tips for choosing your container
Customers are responsible to provide clean and sanitised, non-porous containers free of visible debris, grease, odours and stains, which are fit for purpose and undamaged. We recommend containers made from durable materials (eg. plastic, metal or glass) construction which seal well and are easy to clean. Chapter 3, item 23 of Standard 3.2.2 in the Code prohibits reuse of single use containers such as takeaway containers. It is good practice to ask yourself, does it look like my container presents a contamination risk, if yes then don't present it to a business. Remember, businesses consider contamination risks carefully and have the right to refuse unsuitable containers.
Tips for approaching a new business
Get further involved
1. Approach your favourite business with our printouts and invite them to take the PLEDGE.
2. Return signed pledge forms to info@byocontainers.org for our records and enter the store details on the PLEDGE page.
3. Share the campaign with your network and join us on facebook.
Disclaimer
All content provided on this Site is for informational purposes only. BYO Containers make no warranty or representation regarding the completeness, accuracy or usefulness of any information contained on this Site or associated publications (Publication) or that such information will be error-free. BYO Containers do not accept any legal liability or responsibility for any harm, injury, loss, damages, or costs directly or indirectly sustained by any party as a result of any use of, reliance on, or interpretation of, the information contained in this Publication. The information contained in this Publication is not and should not be relied upon as legal advice nor be regarded as a substitute for legal advice. Any party relying on this information should seek independent legal advice in relation to any queries they may have regarding the applicable laws in their local jurisdiction, or obligations imposed under the standards in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code and by their industry regulator.
The Act, Code and Regulations
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) develops and maintains the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (Code) which is enforced by state and territory departments, agencies and local councils in Australia. Currently there is no provision under the Victorian Food Act 1984 (Act), the Code or the Primesafe or Dairy Food Safety Victoria Regulations (Regulations) which expressly prohibits stores from accepting reusable customer containers*. Whether or not a business accepts customer containers is ultimately an individual management decision. For those businesses that choose to accept customer containers this can be done so safely, provided basic hygiene measures are followed in accordance with the relevant Act, Code and Regulations.
*Note market stalls are an exception, as these may be required to package produce (such as meat) before transport to market.
For additional information check out gippslandunwrapped.com/2016/08/18/the-law-using-reusable-containers/
Safety
The FSANZ Standards Appendix 6 outlines several effective methods for how to clean and sanitise utensils and food contact surfaces, such as containers. The simplest of which are outlined below and are readily achievable by customers in the home:
- Domestic dishwashers (Preferred method): Standard wash cycles and detergents are adequate, however longer and heavy duty cycles produce the best results. Rinse heavily soiled containers first to ensure food residue does not protect bacteria.
- Hand washing: Thoroughly wash in 54-60°C water with detergent, rinse, sanitise by immersing in 77-80°C hot water for at least 30 seconds, then air dry.
Advice for Businesses
The onus is rightly on customers to provide suitable containers as outlined below. Stores have the right to refuse any containers they feel are unsuitable or unsafe.
How to get involved?
- You may first need to update your food safety program and risk assessment and inform your regulator before implementation. A Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) can assess your risk and assist with this step. Primesafe regulated businesses in particular must follow this process.
- Train your staff how to use the scale tare function (zero) and safely accept BYO Containers in accordance with your food safety program and risk assessment. Have plenty clean and sterile tongs/scoops available for staff. Placing a sticker next to the tare button can help staff easily identify it.
- Take the pledge to be included in our interactive search MAP and enjoy free advertising to new groups of loyal customers.
- Display the BYO Containers poster (Downloadable@PLEDGE) and share it on your socials to inform your customers you accept their containers & raise awareness about plastic pollution.
- Enjoy reduced packing costs and the good karma of being part of a sustainable future.
Unsuitable container
If a customer presents you with a container you feel presents a contamination risk, is not designed to be reused or is unsuitable for any reason politely decline to accept it.
- Explain to the customer why their container is unsuitable and why it presents a risk.
- Advise them on what types of containers you will accept and encourage them to try again next time.
- Refer them to this website for more information.
Advice for Customers
Tips for choosing your container
Customers are responsible to provide clean and sanitised, non-porous containers free of visible debris, grease, odours and stains, which are fit for purpose and undamaged. We recommend containers made from durable materials (eg. plastic, metal or glass) construction which seal well and are easy to clean. Chapter 3, item 23 of Standard 3.2.2 in the Code prohibits reuse of single use containers such as takeaway containers. It is good practice to ask yourself, does it look like my container presents a contamination risk, if yes then don't present it to a business. Remember, businesses consider contamination risks carefully and have the right to refuse unsuitable containers.
Tips for approaching a new business
- Explain you are trying to avoid single use plastic.
- Present your container and ask if they are able to accept it, have tongs/scoop and can tare/zero the scales.
- Be ready to kindly remind them you do not need a plastic bag if they reach for it out of habit.
- Smile and be friendly as you explain your request. Remember this may be the first time the store person has dealt with a BYO container request. The store may not have a BYOC policy in place, they may be unsure if their management allows it or how to do it safely.
- If you can, shop at a quieter time to allow the store-person time to ask questions and carefully consider your request.
- Thank them for accepting your container and ask if they would be happy to take the BYOC PLEDGE.
- In cases where a store does not accept your container ask why? Depending on their response you may like to ask if there is a suitable time when you could discuss your request with a manager or leave them with the Business Handout (available@PLEDGE) and refer them to our website to find out more about the campaign. Be polite and understanding of their concerns. Their food safety plan and risk assessments may require an amendment before they can accept BYOC. At the end of the day it is the stores choice whether to accept or not BYOC. If they still refuse you can inform them you will shop elsewhere. Stores that don't say yes today may change their mind if enough customers approach them in a considerate manner.
Get further involved
1. Approach your favourite business with our printouts and invite them to take the PLEDGE.
2. Return signed pledge forms to info@byocontainers.org for our records and enter the store details on the PLEDGE page.
3. Share the campaign with your network and join us on facebook.
Disclaimer
All content provided on this Site is for informational purposes only. BYO Containers make no warranty or representation regarding the completeness, accuracy or usefulness of any information contained on this Site or associated publications (Publication) or that such information will be error-free. BYO Containers do not accept any legal liability or responsibility for any harm, injury, loss, damages, or costs directly or indirectly sustained by any party as a result of any use of, reliance on, or interpretation of, the information contained in this Publication. The information contained in this Publication is not and should not be relied upon as legal advice nor be regarded as a substitute for legal advice. Any party relying on this information should seek independent legal advice in relation to any queries they may have regarding the applicable laws in their local jurisdiction, or obligations imposed under the standards in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code and by their industry regulator.
© 2018 BYO Containers