Health Unit cracks down on barbecues

June 16, 2005
The Chronicle-Journal
http://www.chroniclejournal.com/story.shtml?id=27662

The Thunder Bay, Ontario, District Health Unit was cited as saying that community groups planning to host charity barbecues this summer are reminded it is a legal requirement to obtain application forms and follow the food handling guidelines enforced by the health unit.

Last year, two charges were laid and some food service booths were shut down by the health unit, which conducts inspections seven days a week.

Public health inspector Anita Lapointe was quoted as saying, "Cooks and servers at these events need to know how to handle, prepare and store food to prevent food poisoning."

The health unit said people running charity barbecues often don't think about the need for clean cutting boards, hand-washing and refrigeration when serving the public.

Organizations are being asked to notify the health unit in advance of special events, and obtain an application form free of charge. The health unit will provide easy-to-follow guidelines about Ontario's food safety regulations.