ROADTOWN Tortola, BVI, December 16th, 2011 – The Environmental Health Division of the Ministry of Health and Social Development is encouraging the public to practice good food safety habits as they prepare to enjoy the season’s activities and holiday treats.

Speaking during a GIS radio report, Environmental Health Officer, Ms. Abigail Liverpool outlined some important food safety principles such as proper storage of foods; thawing of frozen foods at correct temperatures; and thorough cooking and serving of food. Ms. Liverpool also shared some guidelines that guests should follow when preparing to attend functions.

“Guests should always have an idea of the types of foods that they can eat and pay close attention to the food items served, especially persons who suffer with food allergies,” cautioned Ms. Liverpool.

Additionally, they should pay careful attention to the condition of foods served to them. For example, cold and hot food items must be served at the correct temperatures. Furthermore, to avoid food contamination, utensils should not be left inside of the serving containers and consumption of left-over foods should be avoided.

The Environmental Health Officer is advising persons preparing to host house parties and private functions that when shopping, meats should be purchased last and refrigerated as soon as possible to prevent any bacterial growth.

To avoid cross contamination of foods, separate cooking utensils and preparation surfaces should be used for preparing raw meats and vegetables.

The Environmental Health Division is the government agency under the portfolio of the Ministry of Health and Social Development, with responsibilities for the management of vector control programmes, as well as monitoring food safety, water quality, institutional hygiene and port health.

The office is located on the 3rd Floor of the Old Administration Building on Main Street and can be contacted at telephone 468-5110.

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