From left: Senior Environmental Health Officer (left) and coconut vendors engaged in discussion with Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer, Leslie Brereton, Deputy Chairman of the National Coconut Stakeholders’ Platform, Patrice Stoute and CARDI’s Local Representative, Ansari Hosein.
Safe food handling practices imperative, advises Bourne
It is imperative that you adhere to safe food handling practices when you are handling a product for public consumption.
This is the advice that the Senior Environmental Health Officer at the Ministry of Health, Richard Bourne is sending out to coconut vendors.
He stated that this is why they have decided to partner with the Ministry of Agriculture to deliver this workshop for these vendors.
“The Ministry of Health welcomes this opportunity to partner with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource Management to participate in this Workshop for coconut vendors. It is important to the Ministry to work with you to improve the practices to ensure a safe food product is provided by you, the food handlers. Yes, a food handler, you probably do not see yourself in this role, but you provide coconut water which is a ready-to-eat food and you package coconut jelly which is in great demand.”
Delivering remarks at the workshop to train coconut vendors on health and safety food vending practices at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource Management, he stated that among the
safe food handling practices that they must ensure that they are following are hygiene practices, how to properly dispose of the waste and dressing appropriately.
“The Environmental Health Department (EHD) therefore believe that it is necessary for you to have an appreciation of good food handling practices. The Ministry of Health is concerned about some trade-associated practices which are not in keeping with good public health: piles of discarded coconut shells which are abandoned for days or even weeks, inappropriate dress, improperly sanitised equipment and lack of hand washing between tasks.”
Bourne stated that this is crucial in being able to avoid things like attracting rats, which in itself can cause further health issues.
“The EHD’s concern about coconut vending starts from the acquiring of the coconuts to the final disposal of the waste product after the customer has received the coconut water and jelly. The Department is seeking mainly to improve sanitation standards. As you are aware rats love coconuts and I am sure that some, if not all of you, will be able to speak about an encounter with rats when you are acquiring coconuts.
The concern is not only about the coconut product but also about you coming into contact with rat urine and not being properly geared up with protective equipment. You will be at risk to contracting leptospirosis if your skin is broken.” (PJT)