Saturday, May 13, 2017

Recent Food Safety Regulations In Massachusetts

By Dennis Gray


To guarantee safe food handling, distribution and consumption in Massachusetts, authorities have instituted very strict measures. Massachusetts food safety guidelines and regulations enable authorities to implement policies and interpret them in a way that safeguards the lives and health of residents. The regulations also involve extensive scrutiny of workers and facilities in the industry.

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.

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.

It is also important to be sensitive about the health of people you live with or come into regular contact with. This enables you to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and avoid contacting or spreading the disease to other people especially your clients. This requirement is put in place in recognition of the fact that when employees are exposed to diseases or ailments, they are likely to spread them to so many clients. Early notification will prevent spread especially when action is taken early.

The regulations require that such employees be restricted from preparation or any handling. In fact, they should be stopped from working until the condition has been cleared. In case a manager has doubts on the steps to take, he should consult with the local board of health. The basic requirement is to prevent exposure as much as possible to guarantee the safety of other employees and customers.

Regulations also exist to ensure safe handling of RTE. Anyone is prohibited from handling the foods with bare hands. The apparatus to be used include tongs, gloves, deli tissues, and spatula, among others. Jewelry when preparing or handling foods directly is restricted. The only exception is a plain ring like what is used during weddings. Your hands and arms should be free of jewelry and make-up.

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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