Did you know that restaurants in California are not required by law to report cases of food poisoning to officials? You might think that restaurants would be required to notify public health officials, but reporting is only encouraged. The lack of reporting requirements present a gap in food safety and is potentially dangerous for consumers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also known as the CDC, reports that each year that 1 in 6 Americans get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from foodborne diseases. The numbers are astonishing.
Do you think it should be California law for restaurants to report complaints of food poisoning? Those in favor say yes, while those opposed argue that it is hard to enforce such reporting and the origin of contamination can be difficult to pin point. Some restaurant requirements outlined in the California Retail Food Code address:
- Food service employees who are properly trained in food safety,
- Food service employees must keep their hands and exposed portions of their arms clean and wash their hands immediately before preparing food, after touching bare human parts, using the toilet, after coughing, sneezing or handling a tissue or tobacco product, eating or drinking, etc, and
- All food must be manufactured, produced, prepared, packed, stored, and served keeping it from spoilage and free from other harmful changes so to alter the food. To name a few. Don’t forget about proper cooking temperatures.
Interested in viewing the California Retail Food Code for yourself? If so click here.
Compliance Poster Company has a complete line of Food Safety Sense posters to help reinforce the training employees receive and reduce food poisoning occurrences.
- Proper produce handling procedures poster, #74503
- Proper ice handling procedures poster, #74506
- Hot and cold holding temperature poster, #74508
- Handling ground beef safely poster, #74507
- Keep Your Kitchen Clean poster, #74505
- Prevent Cross Contamination poster, #74504
- Proper cooking and cooling methods poster, #74502
- Hand washing procedures poster, #’s 74500 & 74501