Have an enjoyable and food safe summer. The risk of food borne illness increases during summer months as warmer temperature and high level of moisture in air help bacteria to grow and multiply at higher rate. Don’t worry, here are some tips to handle food safely to prevent these food borne illnesses: Clean – Always wash hands before handling food. Use … Read More
Buying Raw Meat? Don’t Cross Contaminate!
Re-useable grocery bags protect the environment, they help to protect you and your family from the danger of cross-contamination and illness. What is cross-contamination? Raw meat (poultry, beef, pork, fish, and shellfish) may contain harmful bacteria that could cause illness. When these harmful bacteria move from one food to another, it is called cross-contamination. Why does it matter? Harmful bacteria … Read More
Know Your Food Temperatures – Thawing food
Did you know temperature abuse of hazardous food, like meat and dairy, is the number one cause of food poisoning? The most important temperature of all is the internal temperature of hazardous food. Only a probe thermometer can check the internal temperature of food so be sure to have one. Thawing DO NOT thaw hazardous food on the counter. Thaw: … Read More
Know Your Food Temperatures – Cooking
Cooking kills any bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Fish, 70˚C Ground beef, 71˚C. Pork, 71˚C Chicken/Turkey pieces, 74˚C Whole Chicken/Turkey, 82˚C Mixture of various meats and/or dairy: 74˚C NOTE: DO NOT leave food on the counter to cool after cooking. Serve immediately Cool in fridge, or hot-hold Hazardous food left at room temperature on the counter for more than 2 … Read More
Check it CK
Check it CK is an online disclosure program that allows you to access the most recent inspection reports of public premises/facilities throughout Chatham-Kent. How do I access Check it CK? you can Check it online at: www.chatham-kent.ca/checkit access on your mobile phone by scanning our QR Code or visit www.chatham-kent.ca/checkit on your mobile device Which inspection reports can I access? Food Premises restaurants bakeries … Read More
Getting your nose pierced?
Have you made a decision to pierce your nose? There is lots of choice but ask the right questions to make a safe decision. Ask if they use piercing needles. Only go to a professional that uses piercing needles since a piercing needle will not damage the tissue or cartilage in the nose. Ask and make sure that all … Read More
Tattooing – The Pros and Cons
Getting a tattoo is a popular way of self expression. But, before making this choice make sure you know all the important issues surrounding these permanent pieces of art. Tattoos are available in countless colours or simple black, with thousands of designs to choose from or you can even design your own. Words, phrases pictures and abstract designs are a … Read More
Smoking in Workplace Vehicles
Since May 31st, 2006 the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) has required workplaces to be smoke-free. You may be surprised to learn that work vehicles are workplaces as well. This means that it is illegal to smoke in a workplace vehicle just like it is in an office, bar, restaurant or school. This includes times when the vehicle is not being … Read More
Media Release – Body Piercing at Easy Nails
The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit is issuing a warning about Easy Nails, located at 142 King St. W., Chatham, Ontario. The local health unit is recommending that any clients of Easy Nails who received a body piercing should consider being tested for hepatitis B, C and HIV. The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit advises that Easy Nails was approved to provide … Read More
Temperature Control and Food Safety
Are you aware that temperature control of food during preparation and storage is very vital to ensure food safety? Food contaminated by harmful organisms like bacteria, viruses and parasites can make you sick. Symptoms may range from, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever. Food temperature plays a very important role to prevent these organisms from growing and multiplying. Freezing … Read More
Have you ever found used needles or razors?
Recently it was reported to the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit that there were a number of used needles found littered along the side of a country roadway. The needles were found by a neighbour walking by. Be aware of what to do if you ever find yourself in a similar situation. Where could I find used needles or razors? Anywhere. … Read More
Donate Safe Food
Do you care about the less fortunate men, women, and children in our community and do you want to help them? You can do so by donating food to food banks, soup kitchens, etc. Always make sure this food is safe to eat. Unsafe food can make people sick. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach-aches and headaches. Safe food … Read More