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NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 21, 2007 Contact: Carla Mitchell Dianna L. Schafer, M.P.A. Health Officer (810) 648.4098 ext. 134
Food Stands Need Licenses
While having a small hot dog stand at a festival may not seem like a big deal, it may still need a temporary food license.
Dianna L. Schafer, Health of the Sanilac County Health Department would like to remind all area citizens of temporary food service license requirements.
An event that serves food to the public may require a license as a temporary food service establishment. Michigan’s Food Law, Act 92, P.A. 2000, requires a food service license when potentially hazardous food or beverage is served or prepared for immediate consumption or consumption on the premises.
If a food event is held in a facility that already has an annual license from the health department, then the person may operate under that fixed license if the license or license holder so allows. If not, then the individual will need to obtain a temporary food license. Some facilities such as township or church halls or parks may or may not have a license, so it is important to check the status of the location or facility being used for an event.
If a food service event does require a license and the facility does not already have one, then a temporary food service license must be obtained. A temporary food service license can be obtained from the health department in the county where the event will take place. A fee will be charged depending on the person or type of organization applying for the license. Applications for a license should be submitted at least one week prior to the event. A late fee will be charged for applications submitted less than 48 hours prior to the event. Persons operating without a license will be subject to a fine. A set of guidelines for operating a temporary food service establishment is given to each applicant.
Once a license application has been completed, the health department will visit the site on the first day when the food will actually be served. If all applicable standards are met, the health department sanitarian will sign the license authorizing the serving of food to the public. A temporary food service license can be valid for up to fourteen consecutive days in one location.
One of the primary responsibilities of the health department is to ensure the safety of food being served to the public. Food service inspections concentrate on providing safe food and the utilization of sanitary practices in food preparation. Food sanitation is crucial to the public’s health. Each year, many people become ill, some critically, as the result of unsafe foods or foods prepared improperly.
Michigan’s Food Law does provide a few exceptions in the requirements for licensing of food service events, such as: home-prepared foods (potlucks) served by nonprofit organizations as part of a meeting or fundraising event; and under certain circumstances, facilities already licensed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture.
Examples of events that do require a food service license include: food events at festivals or craft shows; food stands at rallies or sporting events; and fundraisers for persons, and organizations or political offices. A food service license is required even if the organization is nonprofit and the food is free. Individuals and organizations planning an event where food is to be served or prepared for public consumption should contact the health department to determine if Michigan law requires a food service license.
For more information call the Sanilac County Health Department at 810.648.4098 ext. 148 and speak with Carla Mitchell, Food Sanitarian.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information: Sanilac County Health Department Contact: Lisa Bachman 2007 – Michigan’s Year of Public HealthSanilac County Health Department Kicks off "Back to School" Month Sandusky, Michigan , August, 1, 2007 - Shuffling your child back to school these days takes more than a new wardrobe and a shiny apple. What about the dizzying array of immunizations? Hearing and vision test? Special instructions for the school nurse? And tips for buying and loading a backpack that will help protect your child’s back (Webmd.com).For a child going back to school is often a mix of emotions. Along with the excitement about getting a new teacher, seeing their friends and participating in sports most children are worried about not making friends, homework, and missing the fun of summer. While children are worried about going back to school their parents and teachers worry about keeping them healthy, safe and free from infection while in school. Public Health is always working to protect families and communities. The Sanilac County Health Department wants to help families and teachers take the right steps in ensuring a "happy and healthy" child. It is important to protect children from common childhood illness. The healthier a child the more prepared they will be to learn. Making sure a child is up-to-date on all vaccinations, hearing and vision checks and are properly nourished, can give the child a healthy start to the school year. The following are health and safety tips for back to school from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that can help in preparing your child for that first day:
"Giving our children a healthy start to the school year is one of the best things we can do in preparing them for "Back to School," Dianna Schafer, Health Officer. "Parents need to keep their child’s immunizations up-to-date to safe guard against the diseases of the past, get their vision and hearing checked on a regular basis, and promote a healthy diet and encourage activity throughout the week. Families along with schools and communities can work together to make the start of school not only exciting and fun, but ensure that each and every student is sent "Back to School" healthy and ready to learn. Public Health along with the Sanilac County Health Department are always working to promote healthy lifestyles, because we all pay the price when Michigan is unhealthy. --MORE-- Page 2 The Sanilac County Health Department serves the residents of Sandusky. For information about infectious disease prevention and services, visit www.sanilachealth.com or call 810-648-4098. ### |
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