Free Conflict De-Escalation Training for Restaurant Employees!

Recognizing that tensions are sometimes high when trying to maintain a safe customer and work environment, especially in the midst of taking  COVID precautions, the National Restaurant Association is offering FREE ServSafe Conflict De-escalation video training.  This is the newest of four COVID-19 Precautions  training videos that ServSafe is making available to restaurant operators and employees for free during this time.  Please check out these resources, as the need to stay vigilant in regard to COVID-19 continues to exist.

NEHA Is Searching for Food Safety Heroes!

During National Food Safety Education Month, the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) is paying tribute to those in the food industry who have been on the front lines during this time of COVID-19 pandemic response.  With that in mind, they have a Food Safety Heroes campaign going on throughout the month of September recognizing those in the food safety workforce that have excelled in their duties during this time.  If you know of such a person, please nominate him/her as a Food Safety Hero and check out NEHA’s Food Safety Heroes blog as individuals are highlighted.

Tools Now Available to Promote Food Safety Education Month!

The month of September is recognized nationally as Food Safety Education Month.  Although COVID-19 is definitely in the spotlight right now, let’s not let our guard down in regard to Food Safety because the CDC still states that an estimated 48 million Americans get sick and 3,000 die from eating contaminated food.       

The Partnership for Food Safety Education [which is comprised of the CDC, FDA, and USDA along with other contributing partners and special project supporters] has developed The Consumer Food Safety Educator EVALUATION TOOLBOX & GUIDE that provides several resources for Food Safety training and emphasis that can not only be used during this month but throughout the year.  The kit includes videos, posters and more.  Register to gain access to a wealth of resources for FREE. 

New State Law Affects Nonprofit Food Service Events

On August 5th, 2020, Governor Kemp signed the “Sandwich Bill” into law.  This allows nonprofit organizations to provide meals free of charge for up to 12 weeks between May 15 and August 15–along with four additional weeks during the calendar year—without having to have a Food Service permit from the local health authority.  This allows for the providing of meals during the times schools are out for the holidays and special occasions; however, those receiving funding from the United States Department of Agriculture are not included in this permit exemption.   Home-preparation of food is not allowed.

Article 14, which governs nonprofit sponsored events, was also further updated to better reflect current food safety guidance.  It also provides for the issuance of permits by the municipalities and county governments for nonprofit sponsored events; or any outdoor recreational activity sponsored by the state, county, municipality or related entity; or private school function; or indoor/outdoor public school function (except for public school cafeterias) operating no more than 120 hours.  The local health departments may be requested by the local governments to provide inspections—not permits—at such events.  An inspection fee may be assessed by the local health department of jurisdiction for such requested inspections.  For example, Cobb & Douglas Public Health would assess an inspection fee for each vendor if such events are held in Cobb or Douglas counties.    Those temporary food service events operating for more than 120 hours but less than 14 days will be under the permitting authority of the local health department.

The Georgia Department of Public Health has prepared a Frequently Asked Questions About Nonprofit Food Service Events document to help answer questions you may have concerning this new law.  Our Food Service Regulations are being updated to include the change in determination of exemptions and definitions of a food service establishment.  Notification of the completion of the update will be provided in the near future.