The Latest Food Safety Regulations In Massachusetts

By Dennis Gray


To guarantee safe food handling, distribution and consumption in Massachusetts, authorities have instituted very strict measures. Massachusetts food safety guidelines and regulations enable authorities to implement policies and interpret them in a way that safeguards the lives and health of residents. The regulations also involve extensive scrutiny of workers and facilities 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.

Employees in restaurants and eateries must also sit for particular examinations and be certified before getting employed. Though the examination is not administered uniformly, the aim is to sensitize workers on the need for hygiene and safe handling of all items being consumed. The workers understand how to handle, prepare and serve food in a safe manner. This protects the workers and clients from dinning related illnesses.

To prevent spread of diseases, any employee who contracts a disease or is exposed to one should report as soon as possible. This means as soon as symptoms are detected. The employees are sensitized to report such danger signs as vomiting, open wounds and cuts, jaundice, diarrhea and sore throat that is accompanied by fever, among other symptoms.

Employees are also supposed to maintain the highest level of hygiene and be watchful of the health of people they are living with. If such persons have conditions that may be spread through contaminated food, the employee must report. The idea is to prevent the spread of all diseases related to contact through consumption, preparation or serving of different foods. When employees are exposed, the danger of spreading these diseases increases.

Employees exposed to diseases spread through dining contact are restricted from any handling or preparing. Such employees should be suspended from work until their condition improves. The local Board of Health or relevant bodies should be consulted in case there is doubt on the action to be taken. All actions must be taken to prevent spread or even exposure to other workers and to clients.

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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