We want safe treats during Halloween says Cayman Environmental Health

From Cayman Islands Department of Environmental Health

Treats, given out during Halloween activities, are a welcome component that every child looks forward to receiving. Many different items are given to children as treats and parents need to ensure that these treats are safe to eat. To prevent illness or injury to children, the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) is reminding parents to follow these essential food safety tips below:-

DEH Food Safety Tips

• Insist that kids wait until they get home to eat sweets or food items—after parents or other adults have inspected their treats;
• Give children a snack or light meal before they set out ‘trick or treating’ to help restrain any impulse to eat treats before returning home;
• Discard any home-made items such as candy or baked goods treats that kids bring home;
• Remove any choking hazard such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys during treat inspections.
• Inspect commercially-wrapped treats for signs of tampering. Look for unusual appearance, discoloration, tiny pinholes, or torn wrappers. Discard anything that appears suspicious;
• Ensure that juice or cider is not left unrefrigerated for extended periods before consumption. Unpasteurised juices and cider (labels will indicate this) are especially vulnerable;
• Wash all fresh fruit thoroughly, inspect for holes and other blemishes, however small, and cut them open before allowing children to eat them. ‘If in doubt, throw it out’; and
• Beware if your children have food allergies; examine food labels—some Halloween treats may trigger allergic reactions in some kids.

For further information on food safety, please contact DEH at 949-6696 or visit the DEH website at www.deh.gov.ky

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Food Certification Courses for Pirates Week vendors

From Cayman Islands Department of Environmental Health

The public is being advised that the Department of Environmental Health will be conducting two special Food Handler’s Certification Courses for Pirates Week food vendors and their assistants. All individuals planning to serve food or manage food stalls during the 2014 Pirates Week Festival must have up-to-date food handler’s certifications from the Department of Environmental Health (DEH). All food handlers needing certification must register and complete the training.

Courses are being held on the following dates to accommodate persons who need training:-

• Thursday, 30th October 2014
• Saturday, 1st November 2014

Persons needing to take the course are encouraged to register as early as possible to secure their spot as space is limited. Each session will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the DEH main office at the Cayman Islands Environmental Centre, located at 580 North Sound Road.

A registration cost of CI $15 per person covers all materials and fees should be paid at the DEH office between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Payment for the Saturday course must be made during regular business hours.

At the end of the course, food handlers will have the knowledge to prevent food-borne illness and the spread of disease. Certification is for three years, and persons who want to continue as food handlers must renew the certification once it expires.

For more information, contact DEH at 949-6696 in Grand Cayman.