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Thursday, May 11, 2017

The Latest 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.

Among the regulations is the employment of a Certified Food Protection Manager in every establishment dealing with foods. Such an officer must be 18 years and above. He or she must also have passed an examination relating to safety of food and that is recognized by Department of Public health. Some of these programs are offered by the restaurant association in Massachusetts.

There is also a certification requirement for anyone handling, preparing or serving foods in the industry. Though the managers and handlers are not subjected to a uniform examination, there are different programs that will lead to certification. Most of these programs are aimed at promoting hygiene and promoting actions that ensure safety during preparation, handling and serving. This will prevent illnesses that are related to dining from being spread from one person to the other.

To prevent spread of diseases, any employee who contracts a disease or is exposed to one should report as soon as possible. This means as soon as symptoms are detected. The employees are sensitized to report such danger signs as vomiting, open wounds and cuts, jaundice, diarrhea and sore throat that is accompanied by fever, among other symptoms.

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.

Employees exposed to diseases spread through dining contact are restricted from any handling or preparing. Such employees should be suspended from work until their condition improves. The local Board of Health or relevant bodies should be consulted in case there is doubt on the action to be taken. All actions must be taken to prevent spread or even exposure to other workers and to clients.

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.

Permit holders are required to discontinue operations and further notify authorities if they detect a health hazard like fire, foodborne outbreak, continuous power interruption, misuse of toxic or poisonous materials, etc. This allows the authorities to conduct a thorough inspection with the aim of correcting the situation. A license holder is only allowed to continue if the emergency does not compromise the health of workers or foods being prepared.




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