15 November 2011
Food handlers at Alice Springs food outlets are being offered free food safety workshops courtesy of the Department of Health's Environmental Health Program in Central Australia.
Environmental Health Officer Abraham Mackay explained that the two-hour workshops, held today and tomorrow, are an ideal opportunity for cooks and service staff to update their safe food handling practices.
"The food outlets in town are generally of a high standard but you can never be too careful when it comes to the public's health. This food safety presentation includes the latest information on food safety practices and is particularly valuable for people new to the food service industry," Mr Mackay said.
The presentation will also look at good food outlet and workflow design and the importance of the National Food Safety Standards.
"Food poisoning results from bacteria growing on and contaminating food which has been poorly transported, handled, cooked, or stored. The food may look and smell normal, but in the right conditions a single bacterium can grow into millions of bacteria in just a few hours," Mr Mackay said.
"Contracting food poisoning is a most unpleasant experience. Symptoms can include nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, fever and headaches. For food outlet proprietors, causing a food poisoning outbreak is just not worth the risk to their customers and their hard earned reputation.
"It is important that food handlers wash their hands frequently and thoroughly when preparing food. They should also cook food properly and always strive to keep the workspace and utensils clean."
Proprietors of food outlets should contact the Environmental Health Program on 8955 6122 to make a booking for one of the two sessions at the Mwerre Building (Old Centrelink) 1st Floor, 60 Hartley Street, Alice Springs:
-Tuesday 15 November between 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm
- Wednesday 16 November between 10.00 am and 12.00 noon
Media inquiries: Sharon Hutton on 8951 5123 or 0401 114 113
