Uninspected foods and catering being offered on social media should sound a warning bell according to Public Health Sudbury & Districts (PHSD).
"Uninspected food premises may not meet provincial regulatory food safety requirements and may place the health of patrons at risk. It is important to handle food properly, so consumers do not get sick," said a news release issued Tuesday.
PHSD said foods provided by uninspected sources and premises creates a hazard for the public.
"Foodborne illness, also known as food poisoning, can occur when food is improperly or unsafely stored or prepared. For some people, especially young children, the elderly, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems, food poisoning can be very dangerous," said the notice from PHSD.
Public health said there is a serious concern that poorly prepared food could cause serious health issues and even death.
"Causes of food poisoning can include storage temperature abuse, cross contamination, undercooked food, and insufficient sanitizing of cooking surfaces and utensils," said the notice from PHSD.
The health unit said it has been made aware of certain uninspected food premises that offer catering and baking services through social media sites.
"Members of the public are strongly encouraged to verify that premises are inspected by a public health inspector before ordering or purchasing food items. All inspected food premises, as well as a history of inspection results, convictions, and orders are available on Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ “Check Before You Go!” disclosure website.
Public Health is also asking the public to speak up when anyone becomes aware of uninspected food for sale.
“If you are aware of an uninspected food premise, including those advertising through social media sites, we ask that you notify us so that we can conduct an investigation,” said Jonathan Groulx, a manager in Public Health’s Health Protection Division.
“Doing so will help prevent disease outbreaks and ensure that the food service industry remains safe for consumers across Public Health’s service area," he said.
When reporting an uninspected food premises, please provide as much information as possible including a telephone number, email address, or physical address for the business, said PHSD.
Under provincial legislation, operators of food premises must notify the Medical Officer of Health of their intention to prepare food for the public, said the PHSD news release.
Once notification is received, a public health inspector will visit the premises to ensure compliance with food safety legislation. Routine inspections will follow on an ongoing basis. Public health inspectors work with owners and operators of local food premises to ensure that food is prepared in a safe and sanitary manner to prevent cases of food-borne illness.
For more information on operating food premises or to report an uninspected food premise, please visit our website at phsd.ca or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705-522-9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1-866-522-9200).
Len Gillis covers health care for Sudbury.com.
