HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 1999.02.25 - 25719Miscellaneous Resolution # 99 046
BY: Commissioner Eric Coleman, District #21
RE: Health Division - Food Handling Policy and Education Program
TO: Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS, food-borne illness kills over 10,000 people each year. Over 70% of
all outbreaks originate in food service operations and according to the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), as many as 40% are the result of poor hand washing and
cross-contamination; and
WHEREAS, hand-transmission is a critical factor in the spread of bacteria,
pathogens and viruses which cause disease and food-borne illness. While everyone is
vulnerable, over one-third of the population is at high risk, including the elderly, young
children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems (including those
with the common cold or a seasonal flu).
WHEREAS, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revised Food Code of 1997
recommends the implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP)
guidelines. The HAACP is a prevention-based food safety system that is designed to
prevent the occurrence of potential food safety problems and stresses "proper hand
washing and use of utensils or gloves for working with ready-to-eat foods," and
WHEREAS, the FDA is recommending the implementation of HACCP in food
establishments because it is a system of preventive controls that is the most effective and
efficient way to ensure that food products are safe. A HACCP system clearly identifies the
food establishment as the final party responsible for ensuring the safety of the food it
produces; and
WHEREAS, a good education and training program for food handling and sanitation
is key to successful NAACP implementation. Critical in any food establishment is ongoing
personnel training, including management. Personnel training should instill and nurture
an understanding of -where potential problems exist and appropriate food handling
practices.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners does hereby request the Oakland County Health Division to amend the
Sanitation Code for Oakland County to include the following:
(1) A requirement that any person/employee of a food service establishment must
not touch exposed foods with their bare hands; and
(2) A requirement that any person/employee of a food service establishment that
handles food or unsealed food containers shall wear hair coverings and avoid bare-hand
contact with exposed foods by the use of disposable gloves, deli tissue, suitable utensils or
dispensing equipment.
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Mr. Chairperson, I moveibe-apoption regoing Resolution.
Eat'Coleman
_ --Commissioner, District #21
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(3) A Food Handling Safety Education and Training Program that emphasizes to
food handlers that disposable gloves are not a replacement for proper hand washing. This
program shall incorporate a caution to food service employees and management that
hands should be washed and disposable gloves should be discarded after engaging in any
activities that may contaminate hands and/or gloves. Examples include the following:
A. After touching bare human body parts.
B. After using the restroom.
C. After handling animals.
D. After coughing, sneezing, using a tissue, using tobacco, eating, or drinking.
E. After handling soiled equipment or utensils.
F. Before food preparation.
G. When switching between raw foods and ready-to-eat foods.
H. After handling money.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
does hereby charge the Oakland County Health Division with amending the Oakland
County Sanitation (Food) Code and administering the implementation of the new food
handling requirements and Food Handling Safety and Education Program.
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Miscellaneous Resolution # 99
Resolution #99046 February 25, 1999
The Vice Chairperson referred the resolution to the General Government
Committee. There were no objections.