In-shell pasteurisation reintroducing eggs into commercial kitchens

• Australian food service operators placing business at risk over preventable Salmonella outbreaks
• Australia has the highest incident rate of salmonella outbreaks in the developed world
• Foodborne illness leads to 1 million doctor visits and 32,000 hospitalisations per year[1] and the risk of substantial fines and reputational damage
• A newly available pasteurised in shell whole-egg assures against Salmonella for commercial kitchens

Food safety is always of the upmost priority in the hospitality trade, however something as simple as an unsafe egg anywhere in a food preparation area[2] can put an entire business at risk.

A single egg with Salmonella can contaminate work surfaces as far away as 40cm, leaving bacteria that persist for 24 hours. Australia has the highest incident rate of Salmonella outbreaks in the developed world[3] and most of those occurrences arise from the mishandling of eggs within the supply chain.

Commercial kitchens who work with or use egg products are at financial and reputational risk, with restaurateurs, caterers and food service suppliers, potentially exposing customers, aged care residents, hospital patients and tourists to the risks of preventable food poisoning.  

Alasya Restaurant and Takeaway was recently fined $80,000 after 135 diners suffered mass Salmonella poisoning and Sylvania Bakery was fined $122,000 after 200 people became ill due to Salmonella.

New research by Australian Pasteurised Eggs (APE) found eight in ten (83%) people will not visit a restaurant that has been fined for food poisoning, whether or not they had ever dined there themselves. For less than 20c. per plate, businesses can protect themselves from both reputational damage and substantial fines by moving to pasteurised shell eggs.

Whilst food-borne illness can affect anyone, the research found that one in three (33%) Australians are especially vulnerable to food-borne illnesses caused by pathogens such as Salmonella. Food safety and quality advocate, Gabrielle Thoreau tells us more about the risks, "People most susceptible are the elderly, pregnant women, diabetics, people with poor nutrition, kidney or liver disease and those currently undergoing cancer treatment."

"Under current legislation, food businesses must cook with and serve pasteurised products[4]. Until now, this has meant kitchens have had to use products such as liquid whole egg pulp, which sacrifice on flavour and culinary versatility," says Thoreau.

However, newly available whole-egg, in-shell pasteurisation can now assure of safety against Salmonella in the egg supply chain, with raw or undercooked recipe versatility. Salmonella is only eradicated in the cooking process when eggs reach temperatures in excess of 63-76 degrees centigrade, so food service operators that choose to serve runny fried, poached or scrambled eggs are potentially putting their patrons as risk.

The technology used by Australian Pasteurised Eggs ensures eggs are free from risk of Salmonella by removing 99.999 percent of the bacteria. The pasteurised eggs extend shelf life to 90 days while also preserving the full flavour, texture and appearance.

Thoreau says, "Pasteurising an egg starts with freshly laid shell eggs from approved, certified and inspected farms. The process involves submerging eggs into moving water baths using precise time and temperature zones to pasteurise and kill the bacteria. They are then coated with food grade wax to further protect the outer shell.

"For a long time, eggs have been taken off the menu due to the risks or replaced with a substitute like liquid pulp. This new technology is a game changer for the hospitality industry as it allows people to enjoy runny eggs again, without the concern of becoming sick," says Gabrielle Thoreau.

Seven out of ten foodborne illness outbreaks originate in food service operations[5], it is therefore especially important to trust your supply chain in preventing the transfer of contaminated eggs.

As Australia continues to experience outbreaks of Salmonella Enteritidis contaminated eggs, it has become increasingly important for those in the hospitality industry to take notice and make a change.

For more information on Australian Pasteurised Eggs, visit the website: http://www.safeeggs.com.au/

Avis Budget Group announces partnership with R U OK?

#ruok




Avis Budget Group, a leading global provider of mobility solutions, has today announced its new charity partner in Australia, with suicide prevention organisation R U OK?. Building on the company's ongoing commitment to raise awareness around mental health, Avis Budget Group will become R U OK?'s official Workplace Partner.

The three-year partnership will deliver a yearly contribution to the charity, generated partly through fundraising for its community charity initiatives. The partnership will focus on the development of resources to help build people's skills and confidence to navigate a conversation with someone they are worried about.

Tom Mooney, Managing Director – Pacific, Avis Budget Group, said: "We're very proud to be launching this partnership and championing the message of supporting one another in the workplace, ensuring nobody feels disconnected or alone."

"The simplicity of the R U OK? message shows us that having meaningful conversations is something we can all do. You don't need to be an expert, just a good listener and friend or colleague. Protecting the mental health of our staff is extremely important at Avis Budget Group and this partnership is one we believe will make a real difference in our organisation across Australia."

Now in its 10th year, R U OK? wants to reinforce that every day is R U OK? Day. Now one of Australia's most recognised health promotion campaigns, the national movement focuses on encouraging friends, families, loved ones and workmates to ask the question of anyone they are worried about, in a genuine and meaningful way.

Speaking about the impact of having Avis Budget Group on board as its new Workplace Partner, Kamal Sarma, Chair of the R U OK? conversation Think Tank said: "Avis Budget Group's ongoing contribution will make a huge impact in tackling the complex and sensitive challenge of suicide prevention and mental health in the workplace. Funds contributed will assist us in achieving our vision of a world where everyone feels connected. We are incredibly excited about what the partnership will bring."

Employees of Avis Budget Group will be encouraged to action the R U OK? four steps in the workplace. These steps are:

1. Ask "R U OK?",

2. Listening with an open mind,

3. Encouraging action, and

4. Checking in.

More information about the partnership between Avis Budget Group and R U OK?, can be accessed in this video: https://youtu.be/slL3UmR3qo8

About R U OK?

R U OK? is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone struggling with life. R U OK? Day is a national day of action, held on the second Thursday of September each year. But every day is the day to start a conversation. Conversation tips and crisis numbers can be found at ruok.org.au

Health insurance tops household worries for first time

"Frankly dishonest" - CHOICE.com.au experts warn about the quality of health insurance advice with market changes ahead

A national survey from consumer advocate CHOICE shows that 82% of Australian households are concerned by health insurance costs. The community concern comes as CHOICE insurance experts warn most Australians should hold and wait for better advice after April 1.

This is the first time health insurance has topped the list of CHOICE's quarterly household survey since 2014, overtaking electricity (77%) as the main household cost concern.

The health insurance industry is set to undergo the biggest change it has seen in decades as a new Gold, Silver, Bronze system is introduced from April 1. CHOICE's insurance experts are warning Australians not to rush into policy changes after the consumer advocate received over 1700 health fund letters from concerned Australians.

"We asked our CHOICE community to pitch in and help us understand these changes. What we found was a health insurance system in a state of mess" says CHOICE.com.au spokesperson Jonathan Brown.

"It's frankly dishonest for anyone to say they can provide a true comparison of the health insurance market right now. New policies will be released over the coming weeks and months that will change in coverage and price. Until we have all the facts about the quality of cover in the market, no one can tell you what the best value for money policy will be for your needs" says Brown.

CHOICE.com.au experts warn that:

If you're expecting a particular health need (such as pregnancy or a hip replacement) check your policy before April 1. If you've lost cover under the new changes, you need to switch to higher cover before the changes hit - you could be stuck with a new waiting period.

If you are currently undergoing treatment, have surgery booked or are pregnant check with your fund if you are affected by the cover changes.

If you're not expecting a particular health need, the range of policy options will significantly change from April 1. What looks like a good deal now may be bad value after April 1.

The average premium increase is 3.25%, but CHOICE has seen a number of letters that show higher costs, with fewer benefits.

If you have the capacity to do so, pre-pay the best deal you can get now for the coming year. If a better policy comes after April 1, you can get a refund on your pre-paid premiums.

CHOICE.com.au's insurance experts are working their way through the changes with the help of CHOICE campaign supporters and their 1700 health fund letters. The consumer advocate also decided to pause its non-profit health insurance comparison tool as it cannot recommend products given the current state of the market.

"From the 1700 letters we received, we've found that the system that was meant to simplify health insurance is causing widespread confusion and stress. These changes are big, and no one really knows the true impact on the overall market until after April 1. That's why we're shocked to see commercial comparison sites still pushing their services." says Brown

"Watch out for the commercial comparison sites - they're pushing sales calls onto a stressed and confused community and right now they're providing recommendations about a market that's changing rapidly. What's a good deal today, may be a terrible deal in a few weeks as cover and costs change."

"With the help of CHOICE's supporters, our experts will be digging into the detail and sharing what we find. Our advice is that people in most circumstances should wait until after April 1st before making any big changes to their health insurance. Check our website for more information on what to look out for."

For Australians currently receiving letters from their health fund, CHOICE.com.au has published a guide for understanding your letter and will continue to offer free expert advice at https://www.choice.com.au/health


 

New synthetic track for Flemington's world-class training facilities

The Victoria Racing Club's (VRC) world-class training facilities at Flemington will receive a boost this year, with the construction of a new state-of-the-art synthetic track.

The project is being jointly funded by the VRC, the Victorian Government and Racing Victoria.

The current dirt track will be replaced with a synthetic surface which will be used for trials and jump outs as well as training.

The new track will provide a more forgiving surface for horses and will also reduce the training load on Flemington's grass tracks, in turn helping with the condition of all other tracks including the course proper.

VRC Chief Executive Officer Neil Wilson said the synthetic surface is a significant addition to Flemington's facilities.

"Approximately 600 horses utilise Flemington's training facilities every day and with training at Flemington secured for the near future it is important these facilities continue to be among the finest in Australia," Mr Wilson said.

"This new track will provide an all-weather surface that will enable us to hold jump outs when our grass training tracks are unavailable due to wet weather.

"The project will also deliver environmental benefits including a reduction in the amount of water required to maintain the new synthetic surface compared to the existing dirt track."

Mr Wilson thanked the Victorian Government and Racing Victoria for their funding support.

"We are grateful for the support of both the Victorian Government and Racing Victoria and this investment will help maintain Victoria's world-class position in racing."

The project will be completed by May 2019.

 

Group 1 racing returns to Flemington with Black Caviar, The Great Horse Raceday

@FlemingtonVRC #BCLightning 

Group 1 racing returns to Flemington with Black Caviar, The Great Horse Raceday

Flemington will celebrate Melbourne's Asian culture as Group 1 racing returns to Australia's premier racecourse in 2019 with Black Caviar, The Great Horse Raceday tomorrow.

The day will showcase the city's strong Asian culture through authentic bites from the hawker-style food market, themed entertainment and a nine-race card that acknowledges the Victoria Racing Club's (VRC) Asian racing alliances.

The hawker market located alongside Saintly Place will feature tasty eats from Mr Miyagi, Wonderbao, Wrap Roll It, Red Spice Road, and Okamoto Fusion Sushi as well as refreshing drinks by ChaTime.

Racegoers can complement the food offerings with lychee martinis, yuzu sours, sake and Kirin beer while enjoying live music as they try their luck at winning a TCL TV, TAB vouchers and more via the ever-popular Lucky Wall competition.

Melbourne street artist Sahil Roy Silk will bring his creative flair to Flemington as he showcases his work via a live installation in the Saintly Place breezeway.

The headline act on the track is the $750,000 Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m), a tribute to the retired Queen of Australian racing and a three-time winner of the race – undefeated mare Black Caviar.

Proven Group 1 performers Sunlight, In Her Time and Written By take on rising stars Graff, Lean Mean Machine and Osborne Bulls in the Black Caviar Lightning, where a field of 11 will thunder down the Flemington straight.

The undercard includes the Group 3 TAB Vanity (1400m) for fillies and the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) for colts and geldings, both of which offer a preview to Flemington's Australian Guineas a fortnight later.

The TAB Vanity sees the return of Group 1 heroine Amphitrite while the CS Hayes Stakes brings together the AAMI Victoria Derby trifecta of Extra Brut, Stars of Carrum and Chapada.

The international flavour on Black Caviar, The Great Horse Raceday will be further enhanced with strategic alliance race clubs the Japan Racing Association, The Hong Kong Jockey Club and Singapore Turf Club each represented with a race named after their respective clubs.

The Flemington Family Lawn will be given an Asian flare with Japanese hand fan art and origami crafts, cherry blossom and lotus face painting, dragon balloon art, giant Chinese checkers plus plenty of themed games and activities to keep the kids entertained all day long.

VRC Young Members can indulge in Japanese-style street food from Mr Miyagi, cocktails and karaoke at Tokyo YM. Located in The Peak within the Grandstand, Tokyo YM will offer some of the best views on course.

It is only fitting that on Black Caviar, The Great Horse Raceday we welcome two of the great horses from Living Legends to Flemington, with 2008 Black Caviar Lightning winner Apache Cat and Hong Kong's former champion Silent Witness parading in the Mounting Yard at 1:15pm and 3:40pm.

Black Caviar, The Great Horse Raceday sets the scene for a spectacular month at Flemington in March, with Australia's premier racecourse hosting three feature racedays including Australian Guineas Day (Saturday 2 March), Super Saturday (Saturday 9 March) and The All-Star Mile Raceday (Saturday 16 March).

Tickets to Black Caviar, The Great Horse Raceday, including hospitality packages, can be purchased from www.flemington.com.au. Children under 16 and accompanied by an adult are admitted free to Flemington all year round.

Firefighting Infrastructure at Copeton Waters and Lake Keepit Bring Inland Park Investment to $17.1 million

Firefighting infrastructure installed at Copeton Waters and Lake Keepit, as part of a wider park improvement focus across the nine inland parks managed by the Reflections Holiday Parks Group, has seen investments for these parks reach more than $17 million.

The completion of this infrastructure marks an important safety milestone for these inland parks which was celebrated at official openings at Copeton Waters and Lake Keepit this week.

The installation of firefighting infrastructure at Copeton Waters and Lake Keepit is part of a $17.1 million spend on inland park improvements, which has been substantially funded by the NSW Government's Crown Reserves Improvement Fund Program (CRIFP).  Fire, sewage, water and electrical infrastructure upgrades have been the focus of this significant investment by the Reflections Holiday Parks Group.

Reflections Holiday Parks CEO Steve Edmonds said the Group's inland parks were important community assets and tourist hotspots for those wanting to enjoy a true Country NSW experience.

"The completion of infrastructure upgrades and ensuring our inland parks are safe and compliant to Australian Standards is an exciting achievement which shows our commitment to our guests, visitors, staff and local communities in which we operate," Mr Edmonds said.

"With scorching Australian summers and the ever-present threat of fire under these conditions, we are proud to have Bushfire Emergency Plans in place across all of our inland parks and upgraded fire reticulation infrastructure being installed.

The latest parks to see the benefits of the fire-compliance infrastructure include:

·       Copeton Waters (Copeton NSW)
·       Lake Keepit (Keepit NSW)
·       Burrinjuck Waters (Burrinjuck NSW)
·       Grabine Lakeside (Bigga NSW)

The upgrades to fire infrastructure have included the implementation of Bushfire Management Plans and installations of fully-operational firefighting systems with water supply tanks that hold enough water to fill five backyard swimming pools.  The failsafe system includes two alarmed tanks and pumps which can be operated in the event of extended power loss.

Mr Edmonds said the four latest parks to receive the firefighting infrastructure saw 26,500 meters of underground pipe installed, which is the length of 264 football fields laid end to end.  "Our inland parks cover a wide expanse and bushfires can wreak devastation in an incredibly short space of time, so we felt this project was of top priority."

Copeton Waters Manager Paul Irwin, who until recently had been managing the park at Lake Keepit, said the parks had made tremendous strides forward since 2014.

"The program of improvements and upgrades across the inland parks have made a real difference to the quality of experience we can offer," Mr Irwin said.

Reflections Holiday Parks Chair Wendy Machin said the upgrade of fire, sewage, water and electrical upgrades have built a strong foundation on which the inland parks' guest offering could grow.

"Prior to 2014 many of our inland parks did not even have potable water to Australian Standards," Ms Machin said.  "Now, our Water Treatment Plants have completely transformed the guest experience in that area."                         

w: reflectionsholidayparks.com.au

Botanica World Discoveries founder Judy Vanrenen awarded OAM

Today, Botanica World Discoveries founder Judy Vanrenen was awarded The Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for service to Tourism.

Announced by the Governor-General as part of the 2019 Australia Day Honours List, established in 1975 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, The Order of Australia is the principal means of recognising outstanding members of the community at a national level.

Judy has had a lifelong passion for gardening and travel which eventuated in the founding of Botanica World Discoveries, now celebrating 19 years in business, offering guided tours across six of the seven continents. No small feat while raising a family, writing two books, managing a farm and personal show garden.

Additionally, volunteering with numerous non-profit organisations including the Small Business Mentoring Services, coaching small business operators who had dreams of setting up tourist ventures themselves; and sitting on the Grampians Tourism Council after numerous years volunteering with the local tourism authority. Judy continues to give her time to causes close to her heart.

"Judy's success has come about due to the basics of hard work, passion, determination and drive backed by a strong entrepreneurial spirit combined with her attention to detail and organisation that has made Botanica the leading garden-themed company in Australasia today," explained Geoff McGeary, APT Founder and Company Owner.  

Commenting on the award, Judy said "It is an honour and I am very humbled. I think most importantly, this gives a strong message to future generations that anything is possible if you have a dream and are prepared to work hard for it."

For further information on Judy's achievement and Botanica World Discoveries, please visit www.botanica.travel or call 1300 305 202.