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By Susie K Sid, Environmental Health Supervisor
Whether you call it Al Fresco, Open Air Dining or Patio
seating -Arizonans cannot get enough of it.
And why would we would settle for anything less than this
concept of dining in the open air. After all it is in the open air we get a
glimpse of our awesome surroundings that build on our dining experiences.
Betting on the satisfaction guests get from the outdoor
dining experience the restaurants are designed to have exactly that -opening to
the outdoors- anywhere from open windows, open walls, open ceilings to the
outside to get that outdoorsy feel.
Enjoying the outdoor dining experience does not come by chance. Mother Nature is about and a variety of insects, vermin, birds, dust and environmental contaminants are willing to share in your experience.
 Compliance with the Maricopa’s Environmental Health Food Code can prevent the occurrences of this unwanted kind from dining with you. How can code compliance enhance the experience for citizens and visitors when dining in these open air concepts? By developing a proactive plan for preventing the entrance of insects, vermin, birds, dust and environmental contaminants into the establishment.
Here is an excerpt from the 2013 Food Code that may assist you in determining why a proactive plan should be in place today.
“During display, food can be contaminated even when there is no direct hand contact. Many microbes can be conveyed considerable distances on air currents through fine sprays or aerosols. These may originate from people breathing or sneezing, water sprays directed at drains, or condensate from air conditioners. Even wind gusts across sewage deposits and fertilized fields have been known to contaminate food in adjacent establishments where food was unprotected.”
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 Not only environmental contaminants such as wind and rain cause a potential for contamination of equipment and food stored outdoors; the human element such as consumers and employees may also play a part.
Unintentionally, inadvertently and unknowingly people may contaminate unprotected food and equipment. Much like the environmental contaminants they do not need to be invited inside the restaurant when transferring potential contaminants. After all many outdoor venues open directly to a sidewalk where people leisure along enjoying the sights. And while enjoying the sites and kitchens opened up to these busy sidewalks viral hosts cans transfer onto surfaces and food.
A virus is one guest you do want to share in your outdoor dining experience.
One such virus is norovirus.
One person, one open window, one projectile vomiting incident can contaminate the environment with 300,000 viral particles of Norovirus.
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 The FDA says “Good evidence exists for transmission due to aerosolization of vomitus that presumably results in droplets contaminating surfaces or entering the oral mucosa and being swallowed. Noroviruses can be highly contagious, and it is thought that an inoculum of as few as 10-18 viral particles may be sufficient to infect an individual. “
Though Arizonans outdoor dining ranks at the top for pleasurable experiences it does not come without its opportunities. The opportunities of insects, rodents, dust and viral contaminants inherent to this venue takes some action in behalf of those that bring us this delightful experience. Admirably this action has been taken by restaurant owners and staff allowing our good times to roll. But In case you or you know someone that needs some assistance in the area of protecting their outer openings in a restaurant setting Maricopa County Environmental services has resources to assist you. Adherence to these easy steps will assure “you are pest free” when you hear the guest say “patio for three”.
Resource: http://www.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/5827 (Construction Guide; 45-46)
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By Jaime Alberto Viñarás, E.H. Managing Supervisor - NRO
We love our pets and we enjoy their company so much, they should go wherever we go, right? For the most part our pets are welcomed.
The exception is when it comes to restaurants and grocery stores. Under the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code (the Code), pets are not allowed in these types of operations.
The Code (Chapter 8, Section II, 6-501.115) allows for patrol dogs and service animals (dogs and miniature horses) in these types of operations, but only under certain conditions.
As a food establishment owner/operator you should ensure that no pets are allowed in the restaurant or grocery store, with the exception of those allowed by the Code.
Feel free to view and distribute our info-graphic Pets and Animals in Food Establishments and the PDF document Are Animals/Pets Allowed in Food Establishments? . These materials can be used for your staff and/or customers.
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 Click Here or on Image Above to Enlarge and see two-page flyer.
This Holiday season, Maricopa County
Environmental Services is encouraging the community to help the many families
and individuals in need by providing #MoreThanAMeal.
Every day, many of us are touched when seeing the
many individuals and families with no home and so many needs in our community.
While providing them some food may grant them temporary comfort, this is
short-term assistance and it may steer them away from resources that can
provide more sustainable help.
In many cases, what could be a well-intended act
of service like bringing food to our parks and city streets to provide to the
people experiencing homelessness, this could also result in many unsanitary
and unsafe situations and challenges for the neighborhoods, as well as
for those experiencing homelessness.
We can all provide #MoreThanAMeal
and make a Real Difference by volunteering, donating and
assisting the various organizations that work to end homelessness in our
community. These organizations may provide a variety of services and
resources like shelter, restrooms, food, meals at dining halls, clothing,
assistance with medical needs and help with finding a job or a permanent place
to live.
Learn how this season and throughout the new year
you can make a Real Difference with #MoreThanAMeal.
 Click Here or on Image above to Enlarge and view two-page flyer.
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