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Recent Food Safety Regulations In Massachusetts

By Dennis Gray


Massachusetts has implemented an elaborate program aimed at ensuring that all foods delivered and consumed in the area are safe to eat. Massachusetts food safety regulations focus on policies, necessary regulations and their interpretations to allow the government to carry out inspections and investigate complains related to foods and drinks in the area.

One of the main regulations is the demand of employment of Certified Food Protection managers in all establishments where people eat. The requirement is that the officer be more than 18 years and be accredited to perform the role. This includes passing necessary examinations administered by various bodies but regulated by the Department of Public Health. Restaurant associations in the area offer these programs and examinations.

Certification is required for the person responsible for overseeing daily preparation and serving of foods. There is no examination that is mandatory for the officer, but there are several training programs that will warrant certification. The programs revolve around the safety of foods and how to prevent illnesses and diseases that are related to food preparation, distribution and serving. It is safer for all employees to get necessary training and be certified in order to improve the quality of services provided.

Employees working within the industry and who contract illnesses that can be spread in the process of handling need to report as early as symptoms emerge. Some of the danger signs that need to be reported include fever that is accompanied by sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, jaundice, and any open cuts or wounds.

Employees are also supposed to maintain the highest level of hygiene and be watchful of the health of people they are living with. If such persons have conditions that may be spread through contaminated food, the employee must report. The idea is to prevent the spread of all diseases related to contact through consumption, preparation or serving of different foods. When employees are exposed, the danger of spreading these diseases increases.

The first measure taken when an employee has been exposed to a communicable disease is restriction and even isolation. Where possible, they should be assigned outside the handling areas or be sent off until their health condition improves. If you doubt the right action to take in any scenario, it is advisable to consult the Board of Health in your area or any body that regulates hygiene in your locality. Clients and other workers must be protected by all means.

There are restrictions on handling RTE foods. These foods should not be handled using bare hands at any time. The alternative provided for handling RTE include spatulas, tongs, deli tissues and gloves, among others. Handlers are also restricted from wearing jewelry unless it is a plain ring like a wedding ring. Jewelry are restricted from both the arms and hands.

Operations should be discontinued whenever the slightest sign of danger is detected. Immediately, authorities should be notified. Some of the areas of concern include continuous interruption in power supply, outbreak of a disease, fire, contact or misuse of hazardous materials, etc. This will prompt authorities to inspect the facility and propose correctional measures. It is only after the emergency has been corrected that operations resume.




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