PWDU - FSP Update September 12, 2018

Minnesota Department of Health sent this bulletin at 09/12/2018 03:54 PM CDT
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Partnership and Workforce Development – Food Safety Partnership Update

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September 12, 2018

Note from the Editor

Have you heard? Minnesota’s food code has been revised! The new code requirements for retail food establishments will be effective on January 1, 2019.

Over the next few months, the Food Safety Partnership of Minnesota will be your source to learn about:

  • What is changing?
  • How does the new rule protect the public’s health?
  • How can retail food establishment operators meet the requirements?

Two ways to stay in the loop

Upcoming Email Updates from the Partnership for Workforce Development Unit and Food Safety Partnership will include Rules in Brief. Rules in Brief will give you key information about the 20 Major Changes of Concern to the Minnesota Food Code.

Sarah and the PWDU team

Food Safety Partnership Video-conference - Minnesota Food Code

Food Safety Partnership of Minnesota

Join us September 19 to hear about new Minnesota food code requirements that will go into effect on January 1, 2019.

Experts in Minnesota retail food regulations will highlight key changes in terminology, food handling, employee health and hygiene, and equipment and facilities. You will learn from both Food, Pools, and Lodging Services (MDH) and Food and Feed Safety (MDA) staff. Presenters will include Minnesota’s FDA standardized Retail Food Safety Officers, who will help us understand the 20 Major Changes of Concern to the Minnesota Food Code.

Take a look at the August 27, 2018 PWDU - FSP Update to read more about the FSP video-conference.

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Rules in Brief: Handwashing Signs

Signs will be required

Because research has shown that food workers wash their hands more frequently when they are reminded by signs or posters, Minnesota added this requirement to the food code. The American Journal of Public Health reports that “hygiene behavior can be changed with a single exposure to a text-based message.”

After January 1, 2019, retail food establishments will need to have a sign or poster at all handwashing sinks where employees wash their hands.

Most establishments have several handwashing sinks located in:

  • Food preparations areas (number will depend on size, layout and food handling taking place)
  • Dishwashing areas
  • Restrooms

Handwashing is critical to public health

Handwashing is the most effective way of preventing the spread of bacteria and viruses that can cause foodborne illness. Posters or signs can help reinforce good food safety habits in employees. When posters are displayed in public restrooms, they also serve as a reminder to guests.

Many ways to meet the requirement

There is not only one approved sign or poster to meet this new rule requirement. Handwashing signs are a common practice in the retail food industry. If you have a sign posted now, you are probably already meeting this new Minnesota food code requirement.

If your retail food establishment needs or wants a sign or poster:

  • Contact your inspector. If you don’t know who your inspector is, check our Local Book or call MDH Food, Pools, and Lodging Services at 651-201-4500. Regulatory agencies frequently provide handwashing signs at no cost to operators.
  • Download and print a free poster from MDH’s Hand Hygiene Print Materials website.

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    Rules in Brief: Vomit and Diarrhea Cleanup

    Have a plan

    Stuff happens. After January 1, 2019, retail food establishments will need to have a clean-up plan for when it happens in your establishment.

    The disease causing bacteria and viruses often found in high levels in vomit and diarrhea can survive for a long time if employees do not follow proper cleaning and sanitizing procedures.

    Vomit and diarrhea often carry germs

    A food employee cleaning up after a vomiting and diarrheal event is a high-risk activity. If the employee is not properly protected or does not adequately clean all contaminated surfaces, an outbreak of foodborne illness could result.

    Many foodborne illnesses cause symptoms that include vomiting and diarrhea. Protect yourself, your employees and your guests from foodborne illness by quickly and effectively cleaning up after any vomiting or diarrheal event in your food establishment.

    Customize your plan

    There is not only one approved vomit and diarrheal event cleanup plan to meet this new rule requirement. Customize your plan to fit your unique staff, facilities and equipment.

    Your plan might include:

    • How will you train employees responsible for cleanup?
    • How will you protect guests and employees before and during cleanup?
    • What tools and chemicals will employees use?
    • How will you dispose of soiled materials?
    • How will you keep a record of the event and cleanup response?

    Keep in mind that a sanitizing solution, such as chlorine, may need to be used at a higher concentration for cleaning up after a vomiting or diarrheal event. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and sanitizing products.

    Here is one resource showing some good steps for Vomit Cleanup.

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    Effective date January 1, 2019

    Remember, the new requirements have an effective date of January 1, 2019. That is the date on which all retail food establishments in Minnesota will need to meet the updated requirements. Retail food establishment owners and operators should continue to meet current standards until January 1, 2019 (Minnesota Rules, chapter 4626).

    If you have questions, please email Linda Prail or call 651-201-5792.

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