National Food Safety Month celebrated with two free seminars

---News Release---

(August 31, 2006)--- The City of Hartford Health and Human Services Department leads the way during the month of September to build awareness of the restaurant and foodservice industry’s commitment safety.  Seminars will be held on how to serve safe food, to heighten awareness about the importance of food safety education and to encourage ongoing training for all industry employees.

On Monday 9/18/06 at 10:00 AM a free seminar that’s open to the public will be offered at the Hartford Public Library located at 500 Main Street in Downtown Hartford. Diane Wright Hirsh, RD, MPH, Food Safety Specialist with the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension Service will discuss safe food handling in the home kitchen and provide participants with advice on buying, storing and preparing food.

On 9/25/06 another seminar will be held at the Connecticut Culinary Institute for qualified food operators. The topic will be “Preparing your establishment for a successful inspection” where a panel of specialists will talk about the necessary steps that food establishments must follow to undergo inspection and obtain the renewal of their licenses.

The City of Hartford Health and Human Services Department Environmental Health Division inspects Hartford restaurants on a regular basis. “I strongly believe that our role as public health officials is to provide education. It is essential that we maintain good working relationships that foster honest and open communication. I know that we share a goal with owners of food establishments to provide the best possible services to Hartford residents,” says Ramon Rojano, Director of the Health and Human Services Department. 

For more information please contact Rita Kornblum, Public Health Educator, at (860) 547-1426 ext: 7188 or at rkornblum@hartford.gov.