Inspection for food caterers’ premises

Public Health Inspectors will be inspecting food establishments, food vendors and caterers who provide food to Carnival bands. The announcement was made yesterday in a statement by the Ministry of Health. The statement said the move to conduct those inspections would allow surveillance activities at Carnival events and during the Parade of the Bands. It said unsafe food contained harmful bacteria which could cause vomiting, diarrhea and other serious food-borne diseases, like hepatitis. It stated bandleaders are reminded to:
 • Ensure all persons catering food to their band are registered as food handlers and that their premises have been inspected and registered by the Public Health Department;
 • ensure food handlers cover their hair, wear white aprons and use disposable gloves when handling food;
 • if food is cooked offsite and must be delivered to a particular location the following guidelines obtain:
 • Hot food must be kept hot and served hot;
 • transport hot foods in insulated containers to maintain temperature;
 • cold foods must be kept cold and served cold; and    
 • transport cold foods on ice or use chillers to maintain cold temperature.

 Food not meeting the public health guidelines will be seized, including:
 • Foods left uncovered and exposed to dust or flies;
 • cooked foods for sale to the public, stored or served at room temperatures;
 • foods served by persons not possessing and or displaying a valid food badge; and
 • foods served in unsanitary conditions.