Health Department cracks down on Food Handlers
By VonDez Phipps
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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| OJ: A food handler who always complies with health regulations |
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Department of Health has announced that with immediate effect every individual involved in the handling of food of any sort for public consumption must be in possession of a Food Handler’s Permit.
According to Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer Elton Morton, food handlers were always required to obtain a Food Handler’s Permit, but the health regulation is now being fervidly enforced more than ever.
In an exclusive interview, Morton told SKNVibes that this health regulation was established over five decades ago under the Food Regulation Act of 1953 and further supported by the 1969 Public Health Act. He also pointed out that hotels, snackettes, bars and even street vendors who may only sell popcorn or snow cone are all required to comply with the regulation.
Morton noted that the acquisition of a permit requires a very simple process and advised more food handlers should ensure they receive one.
In his explanation of the process, the Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer said, “The procedure is simple. Firstly, one must complete a physical examination, which includes a test for parasites, culture and sensitivity, a faecal test, blood test, and chest X-ray if necessary; secondly, one has to undergo a food safety workshop, which is held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month; and thirdly, one has to pay a $20 processing fee and produce two passport-size pictures.”
He further stated that, by principle, every institution should be visited at least once per year although, due to limited trained staff, this
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| One of the larger eating houses that complies with health regulations |
has not yet been achieved. He however said, “Our staff is now certified in Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point and has completed training in Food Safety, thus inspection of businesses should be more frequent and efficient.”
Morton further expounded that under the Statutory Rules and Orders of Food Safety of 1953, there are strict rules to govern food outlets.
He stressed that “in order for bar shops, snackettes and grocery stores to be issued a license, they must have one toilet, potable running water and a urinal, in the case of a liquor bar. Restaurants also should have at least two toilets. Even vendors, of any sort, should have potable water”.
He stated that routine inspections would be done every three months for larger food services.
~~Adz:Left~~ However, if the business fails the inspection, the Multipurpose Lab would carry out further scientific testing while a health inspector would be specifically assigned to the business for a final swabbing. Such a business, he added, may be closed for up to two weeks.
He further explained that if there were any sign of rodent or insect infestation, or food poisoning, it would be immediately reported to the Permanent Secretary, then to the Chief Medical Officer, who in turn would issue a letter for immediate closure of the business.
“Food handlers caught without a valid permit will be asked to leave the establishment immediately,” Morton declared. “Even street vendors without a permit will be asked to stop selling food. In fact, we also have the power to seize whatever they are selling and destroy it. There is also a mandatory fine of $240.”
Morton emphasized that even for special events, vendors are to receive special permission and training to “avoid indivduals from getting sick.” He also said health inspectors would be assigned to different venues to ensure that the regulations are followed.
He stated that the Department of Health is currently restructuring the health regulations in relation to food safety and is expected for it to be passed and implemented by early 2009.
Morton expressed the hope that this new regulation would add teeth to the present rules in order to gain more control over food safety in St. Kitts and Nevis.
