Thursday, May 11, 2017

The Most Recent Food Safety Regulations In Massachusetts

By Dennis Gray


Massachusetts has instituted strict measures to ensure that food served in the area is always safe and hygienic. Massachusetts food safety requirements and guidelines give room to authorities to inspect premises and implement policies that safeguard the health of residents and people eating in the area. These regulations touch on facilities serving eaters and workers 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.

Strict regulations exist to ensure that RTE foods are handled in a hygienic manner. You are prohibited from bare hand handling. The apparatus allowed include deli tissues, tongs, spatula and gloves, among any other safe apparatus. Workers are also restricted from handling foods with bare hands or jewelry. The only exception is a plain wedding ring.

Operations should be discontinued whenever the slightest sign of danger is detected. Immediately, authorities should be notified. Some of the areas of concern include continuous interruption in power supply, outbreak of a disease, fire, contact or misuse of hazardous materials, etc. This will prompt authorities to inspect the facility and propose correctional measures. It is only after the emergency has been corrected that operations resume.




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