Protect public health by ensuring highest food quality through partnerships. Strategies a. Revise administrative policies and rules to support the creation of partnerships between inspectors and the food industry by 2001. Utilize the Advisory Council on Food Protection Practices to promote the concept of building partnerships between DOH and the food industry. Protect public health by ensuring that food handlers are certified to prepare and handle food. Strategies a. Require food handling certification for all food preparation establishments by 2002.
Certification is currently voluntary.
Work with the food industry to support mandatory food handling certification. FDA and other states, including California, require food handling certification of food establishment managers. The Conference for Food Protection is completing a list of approved food safety courses. Enhance public health protection by improving public awareness and knowledge through educating food handlers and the public on proper food handling procedures. Strategies a. Develop better educational tools for food handlers - especially for small businesses, by 2001.