Whether you volunteer, are drafted, or your job includes party planning, this year s company party is your responsibility. You call a caterer to help. Because food that is not prepared properly, transported properly and served properly can lead to food borne illnesses - not a happy ending to a party. Catering companies are considered food service establishments and must be licensed as a food establishment. This means that the local Health Department permits them and is inspected at least twice a year by the department inspector.
Chances are that they are aware of the food safety rules and regulations.
Companies or individuals who prepare food only in clients home or other setting is not regulated because they do not have a facility where they prepare food for catering. These operators may not be aware of all safe food handling principles. You can check to see if they are certified food handlers, who has taken the food safety course offered by many local health departments. Various professional associations also offer similar food safety courses. If the food preparation is to take place at the caterer s establishment, feel free to visit the facility.