Cutting Edge November 2015 Welcome to the final edition of The Cutting Edge for 2015. On behalf of the Community Health Team we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Keep your diners safe Different populations around the world have varied problems with allergic reactions to food. In Australia, most food allergies are caused by: peanuts tree nuts milk eggs sesame seeds fish shellfish soy wheat. In Australia during 2014, there were 24 recalls of food that contained undeclared allergens, an increase on the 16 recalls during 2013. In the Food Standards Code clause 2 of Standard 1.2.1 there is a requirement that the presence of any amount of peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, sesame seeds, fish and shellfish, soy and wheat must be declared on (i) packaged food or declared on food being displayed (unpackaged food) or in connection with the display, or (ii) declared to the purchaser upon request. Steps to take to prevent accidents Raise staff awareness regarding allergen cross contamination. What are the implications of using a serving utensil, knife or chopping board that has been used on food containing allergens? Store allergenic ingredients away from food that is suitable for allergen sufferers. List allergen information on menus. Further information can be found at www.foodstandards.gov. Food Handling Seminar Council’s Community Health Services team is offering a basic food handler seminar for local food businesses and volunteers. When: Time: Cost: Tuesday 1 December 2015 2pm to 5pm $25 per person (incl. GST) Where: Croydon Service Centre, Civic Square, Croydon Topics to be covered include: • Causes and sources of food poisoning • Personal hygiene • Temperature control • Cleaning and sanitising. This course is designed for food handling staff as either an introduction or a refresher. It is not an accredited course for meeting Food Safety Supervisor qualifications. It is to assist Food Safety Supervisors who require help in training their food staff. To book online please visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au or contact the Community Health team on 9294 5603. Alternatively, if you prefer to undertake training online, then please visit http://dofoodsafely.health.vic.gov.au/welcome.php How to keep those pests away? The Mint-X Rodent and Cockroach Repellant Garbage bags have been recently introduced to the Australian market. These bags are made from four natural oils, are chemical free, and proven to repel rats and cockroaches. They are safe for humans and pets, and are approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority. Find the bags at www.tailoredpackaging.com.au and www.mint-x.com.au Introducing our new Environmental Health Officer (EHO) Welcome to Mitali Khandawala What do you love about your job? I like that I am able to meet people and that our work has a social conscience. How long have you been an EHO? Six years. I started at Knox City Council as a student, and moved to Stonnington, Casey and joined Maroondah City Council three months ago. What is the most rewarding thing about being an EHO? I feel that I am making a difference. I really like to meet people from different backgrounds and hear about how passionate they are about their business. It is a dynamic industry where every day there is always change. What are your hobbies? I love to travel and I am interested in outdoor adventure sports, art, photography and anything creative. I also like to read, socialise and keep fit. Food Recalls A recall is an action taken to remove from distribution, sale of an item which may pose a health and safety risk to consumers. A food recall action is usually required if there is a reasonable possibility that use or consumption of the food would cause harm to health. Reasons for recall could include contamination by pathogenic bacteria or the presence of chemicals or foreign matter (e.g. pieces of glass, metal or plastic) that could cause physical harm to a person consuming the food. Action may also be required for other issues that pose a potential health risk such as incorrect labelling (eg. allergens such as peanuts, milk or milk products not being declared on the label, or incorrect/insufficient cooking instructions). It is a legal requirement under Standard 3.2.2 of the Food Standards Code for manufacturers, wholesalers and importers of food to have a system in place to ensure the recall of unsafe food. There will be more information on food recalls in the March 2016 issue. Please call the Community Health team on 9292 5603 if you need further information.