The Central Board of Health is intensifying its ‘rapid inspections’ of food vendors
scattered across St. John’s city.
Over the last weekend, both on Friday night and again on Saturday night, staff
from the Public Health Department conducted several rapid inspections in St.
John’s City. Focus was placed on the possession of a food handlers ID, the
presence of a hand washing station, and time and temperature abuse of food. There
were many food safety infractions which led to the discontinuation of food for sale
to the public.
“On Friday 26th April, a total of seventeen (17) vendors were inspected, ten (10)
vendors were instructed to cease the preparation and sale of food, seven (7)
vendors were operating without a hand washing station, while ten (10) vendors
were without a valid food safety badge. Six (6) vendors held food at incorrect
temperature, and food items were seized and disposed of from one (1) vendor.,”
according to a media statement from the CBH.
The exercise was repeated on Saturday, where a total of seven (7) vendors were
inspected, four (4) vendors were instructed to cease the preparation and sale of
food, three (3) vendors were operating without a hand washing station, while five
(5) vendors were without a valid food safety badge. Two (2) vendors held food at
incorrect temperature, and food items were seized and disposed of from two (2)
vendor.
A meeting was scheduled Monday at the Central Board of Health office, with the
owner of the businesses who were instructed to cease the preparation of food.
The Central Board of Health is appealing to food vendors to obtain a valid food
safety badge, and to be in compliant with the recommendations given in order to
resume the preparation and sale of food. In addition, the homes and businesses
must be inspected before reopening. There will be a special food safety training on
Wednesday 1st May, for those businesses who were instructed to cease the
preparation of food for public consumption. Food Vendors must register no later
than Tuesday 30th April, at the Central Board of Health office on Upper Church
Street for the food safety training.
