What is the role of the environmental health officer when it comes to food?

Answer 1

If you provide food to the public you will be inspected by an environmental health officer, they will check how you store food, date's of food, refrigiration, stock rotation, how you prepare food, infection control, if you following the correct policies and procedures , wearing correct PPE , they will check for signs of any unwanted critters, rats, mice, ect, they will check if staff have certificates in food hygiene and your documentation.

Answer 2

When inspecting a restaurant, the following are among the things an Environmental Safety Officer would look for:

• cold and hot foods maintained at proper temperatures
• confirmation that refrigeration units' temperatures are check regularly
• dish washing units reach adequate sanitizing temperatures and hold them for a long enough time
• proper sanitation around food preparation and serving areas, including sneeze guards
• adequate condition and maintenance of floors, walls, and ceilings
• adequate periodic cleaning of grease traps and grease filters
• any evidence of vermin - rats, mice, cockroaches, ants, etc.
• proper use of gloves by food handlers
• adequate training of food handlers
• food handling procedures
• posted informational materials about hand washing, food handling, responding to chocking customers