Updated Food Service Reopening Guidance Tools Are Now Available!

As more food service operations are opening their dining rooms, operators are reminded of the need to comply with the requirements found in Governor Kemp’s Executive Order from May 12, 2020 and to stay alert for any additional updates.  The Georgia Department of Public Health has updated its  COVID-19 GUIDANCE FOR RESTAURANTS WITH DINING ROOM SEATING  to reflect updates in the Executive Order.   

To assist operators with their plans for compliance, the National Restaurant Association has released its Reopening Guidelines training video as the 3^rd tool in its series of free COVID-19 response videos for food service facilities. All three training videos are available in English and Spanish and are presented via ServSafe, the organization’s educational arm.  The Reopening Guidelines presents an overview of important actions that help to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission by applying new sanitation and disinfecting practices, and recognizing new social distancing requirements that are key components to safely reopening food service operations.

Free Food Handler and COVID-19 Takeout/Delivery Training from ServSafe

ServSafe is currently offering COVID-19 themed food takeout and delivery training at no cost to assist those that have shifted to this service as a result of this ongoing outbreak. Additionally, ServSafe is offering free Food Handler training through May 31, 2020. Click on the following link to take advantage of these free training opportunities:

https://www.servsafe.com/Landing-Pages/Free-Courses

Free Webinar to Improve Your Food Safety Management System

A free live webinar entitled “How to Take Active Control of Your Food Safety Management System” will be presented Tuesday, January 28, 2020 from 2-3 pm EST.  Captain Charles Otto, who is renowned for his contributions to the development of the FDA Model Food Code– along with a number of other advances in Public Health—will be presenting the webinar.  He can fit a lot into an hour!  If interested, be sure to register today!

One-Day ServSafe Course Available in Cobb!

Cobb & Douglas Public Health will offer a special, one-day ServSafe  Food Safety Managers class on Wednesday, November 6^th.  This will be a good opportunity for persons that need to recertify, first-timers who already have a strong food safety foundation, and those that need to retake the ServSafe exam.

The class will be held in the 2^nd floor meeting room located on the Marietta Health Center Campus at Building B (1738 County Services Pkwy, Marietta, GA 30008).  The deadline for registration is October 9, 2019. Please share this information with those you believe may be interested. See the registration form or our website for more information.

Food Safety Videos Available!

Over the past few years, Cobb & Douglas Public Health has hosted several Food Safety Partnership Panels composed of four participants representing the food service industry, public health, and consumers.  Each video is about 30 minutes in length, highlights an area needing emphasis at the time of the recording, is good for training, and is available at www.cobbanddouglaspublichealth.com.

This time of year, we like to emphasize the importance of having a safe food source.  Partnership Panel #13– entitled Safe Food Source–reminds the viewer of questions operators should ask of their food suppliers– along with red flags to keep in mind–when deciding whether a food source is acceptable for a food service establishment to use or is safe to use as a consumer.  The panel also takes a look at the illegal slaughter of animals for meat–which is a more frequent occurrence as we get closer to the holidays, and much more.  Check out this video along with the various other topics available on our website.

Food Safety Education Month Is Here!

A message from Food Program Manager Karen Gulley

Greetings during Food Safety Education Month!

During the month of September, we will be sharing information regarding new regulatory requirements and expectations in Georgia, along with reminders of basic food safety principles. A new resource entitled Food Safety Ninja will help with compliance in these areas. We give shout-outs to the Lake County General Health District (Ohio) for helping to make current food safety principles understandable in a fun and informative way.

Available in English, Spanish and Chinese, this project– which was funded by an FDA grant–uses short videos, narratives and quizzes, to explore proper date-marking (even when you’re freezing ready-to-eat foods), hand washing, chemicals, employee illness, cold and hot holding, reheating, and cooling. The site houses a wealth of information for anyone interested in food safety, especially food safety operators seeking tools for staff training.

Remember to always think food safety–and Happy Food Safety Education Month!

Upcoming ServSafe Class in Douglas County

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There will be a ServSafe Food Safety Management course presented at our Douglas County Environmental Health office on August 27-28th.  Our Douglas office is located within the Douglas Courthouse, 8700 Hospital Drive in Douglasville.  Registration will close on August 8th.  The registration form and links to other CFSM providers can be found on our website.

As a reminder, every food service establishment is required to have a certified food safety manager (CFSM) with current certification that is actively engaged in overseeing the application of food handling and operations in their respective facility, unless otherwise exempt by the Georgia Food Service Rules and Regulations Chapter 511-6-1.  Please check your certification to ensure that the time has not lapsed.  Also, please share this information with others as applicable.

Keep It Clean!

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During a recent study in our food service establishments of the common factors that cause foodborne illness, two areas identified as needing more attention were handwashing and keeping food & food contact surfaces protected and clean. Foodsafety.gov has provided a good summary of tips and facts to assist with gaining knowledge and training in this area.  The Clean principle covers:

• When and how to wash your hands
• When and how to wash food contact surfaces
• Where and how to wash fruits & vegetables (but not meat or poultry)

Plus, there’s a short summary video to tie it all together!

Let’s keep it clean!

 

Certified Food Safety Manager Class Coming to Douglas in August

There will be a ServSafe Class presented at our Douglas County Environmental Health office on August 28-29^th.  Our office is in the Douglas Courthouse on Hospital Drive in Douglasville.  Registration will close on August 8^th .  The registration form and links to other CFSM providers are found on our website.

As a reminder, every food service establishment is required to have a certified food safety manager (CFSM) with current certification that is actively engaged in overseeing the application of food handling and operations in their respective facility, unless otherwise exempt by the Georgia Food Service Rules and Regulations Chapter 511-6-1.  Please check your certification to ensure that the time has not lapsed.  Also, please share this information with others as applicable.

 

Our Last CFSM Class for 2017 is Coming in December!

Every food service establishment is required to have at least one certified food safety manager (CFSM) unless they are exempted by the Rules and Regulations for Food Service.  The last ServSafe Food Safety Management course taught by Cobb & Douglas Public Health in 2017 will be held on December 12-13 at the Marietta Health Center, Building B, 1738 County Services Pkwy, Marietta.  Registration closes on November 15, so please share this information with those in need of this training.  The registration form must be completed and returned with payment to assure a seat in this class.  Visa or MasterCard payments may be taken via phone by calling our main Environmental Health line at 770-435-7815.