Training of food vendors paying off

Work done by environmental health officers in training food handlers and vendors has helped to reduce food-borne diseases in Barbados.According to John Watts, principal environmental health officer at the Warrens Polyclinic,  the hosting of seminars as well as the cooperation of food vendors have helped the country to avoid outbreaks of food-borne diseases associated with street vending. At a recent training seminar for food handlers involved in the Crop-Over Festival, Watts said: “We have seen improvements in [vendors’)]deportment, the construction of stalls, their techniques and general management of the stalls, for example with the disposal of refuse, and the type of equipment food-handlers are using.” Over 20 vendors, who are expected to offer food for sale at Warrens, Green Hill, Codrington Road, Spooners Hill, Bank Hall Cross Road, Bush Hall and Eagle Hall, attended the seminar at Warrens Polyclinic. They were given instructions on ensuring the safety of food and clients at Crop-Over events, as environmental health officers reiterated the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and encouraged compliance. Food handlers were also reminded that when preparing or serving food and drink, it was important to keep their heads covered at all times with hairnets or hair restraints, to refrain from using nail polish and to trim and keep nails clean.They were also advised not to wear jewellery on the hands or around the neck, and avoid sleeveless tops or vests. The officers reminded individuals that they should be free of infected burns, boils, cuts or respiratory illnesses and also stressed that smoking was prohibited in food stalls. “You should also [practise proper hygiene;] wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, particularly before beginning work, after handling raw food and after using the toilet. This is in order to prevent the contamination of food,” said Watts. (BGIS)