This column appears in the Nevada Appeal Wednesday health pages. It addresses topics related to the health of our community.
Q: Is it safe to eat food purchased at special events?
A: Chili cook-offs, salsa competitions, Taste of Downtown, the Rendezvous, car shows, concerts, crab feeds, Nevada Day... there are lots of special events in Carson City, and most of occur during the warmer months. In all likelihood it is safe to eat the "street food" because Carson City Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is involved, and that means strict adherence to food safety standards, along with a requirement to post a copy of their permit in a "conspicuous, observable place" throughout the event.
When a person or organization wishes to prepare and sell food on a temporary basis, they must apply for a Temporary Food Permit from CCHHS at least five business days before the event. The application form is available online at www.carson.org, Health and Human Services, downloadable information*. The application requires a list of all foods to be served, disclosure about where it will be prepared, what cooking procedures will be used, and information about serving and holding temperatures. Applicants must disclose how they will keep the food hot or cold as they transport it to the event. Applicants must answer questions about thermometers, hand and utensil washing facilities, trash disposal and how the food booth is constructed.
"The hand-washing station, thermometer and booth construction are very important," says Teresa Hayes, Environmental Health Specialist at CCHHS. "Essentially, temporary food handlers must comply just as though they were working in a real restaurant."
Hand washing and thermometers we get. But a canopy? "You'd be surprised at how much debris is in the air that drifts down and could land on the food," Teresa explained. "For example, the Carson City Rendezvous coincides with the annual cottonwood shedding. And of course, there is the wind and always, the birds."
When the day of the event arrives, someone from the health department performs an on-site review of food safety practices and equipment, very similar to a routine restaurant inspection. Daily inspections continue for the duration of the event. "Our motto is: We educate before we regulate," said Teresa. When the inspector is satisfied that the requirements are met, she or he issues the applicant a copy of their permit, which they are to post where customers can easily see it.
"Look for that permit," says Neil Fox, another CCHHS specialist. "If you don't see it, ask. And if they don't have one, forget it." Occasionally an unauthorized vendor shows up somewhere, especially on wheels such as pushcarts. "Our municipal code does not allow selling prepared food without a permit and these folks usually don't last long because someone reports them."
Again, if the permit doesn't exist, the food safety is highly questionable.
An additional strength of Carson City events is that most of the temporary vendors are repeat applicants. Year after year they return and over time they have learned very well how to handle food safely.
Corndog anybody?
It's all about Public Health.
• Additional permits and licenses also may be required, but they are beyond the scope of this article.
Carson City Health and Human Services
Clinic Hours: Monday-Wednesday and Friday
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., by appointment
775-887-2195
Thursday is Immunization Day
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.;
1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
No appointment needed
775-887-2195