FOONo

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FIGHTING FOOD POISONING: One of the Most

                  Important Things You Can Do

 

 

What is one of the most important things you can do to fight food poisoning? Here are a few hints:

   *It takes only 20 seconds (if you do it the right way).

   *It requires only 3 ingredients.

   *Anyone can do it, even young children.

 

The answer is WASH YOUR HANDS. Over and over again, studies have shown that hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many types of infection and illness---including foodborne illness.

 

Wash Your Hands the Right Way

When you wash your hands the right way, it takes only 20 seconds and requires only three ingredients: running water, soap, and something to dry your hands (a clean towel or air).

 

What about Hand Sanitizers?

 

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of germs on them. But, if soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer.

 

IMPORTANT: Hand sanitizers are not effective if your hands are visibly dirty. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs.

 

Always use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

 

 

Source:  Michael J. Beach, PhD, Infectious Diseases, CDC

 

 

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FOOD ESTABLISHMENT INSPECTION SHEETS

Violations Require Immediate Corrective Action (5 points)

• Proper Cooling for Cooked/Prepared Food
  
• Cold Hold (41 degrees Fahrenheit/45 degrees Fahrenheit)
  
• Hot Hold (135 degrees Fahrenheit)
  
• Proper Cooking Temperatures
  
• Rapid Reheating (165 degrees Fahrenheit in 2 Hrs)

Violations Require Immediate Corrective Action (4 points)

• Personnel with infections
  
• Restricted/Excluded
  
• Proper/Adequate Handwashing
  
• Good Hygienic Practices (Eating/Drinking/Smoking/Other)
  
• Approved Source/Labeling
  
• Sound Condition
  
• Proper Handling of Ready-To-Eat FoodsCross Contamination of Raw/Cooked Foods/Other
  Approved Systems (HACCP Plans/Time as Public Health Control)
  
• Water Supply - Approved Source/Sufficient Capacity/Hot and Cold Under Pressure

Violations Require Immediate Corrective Action, Not to Exceed 10 Days(3 points)

• Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
  
• Handwash Facilities Adequate and Accessible
  
• Handwash Facilities with Soap and Towels
  
• No Evidence of Insect Contamination
  
• No Evidence of Rodents/Other Animals
  
• Toxic Items Properly Labeled/Stored/Used
  
• Manual/Mechanical Warewashing and Sanitizing at ( ) ppm/temperature
  
• Manger Demonstration of Knowledge/Certified Food Manager
  
• Approved Sewage/Wastewater Disposal System, Proper Disposal
  
• Thermometers Provided/Accurate/Properly Calibrated (+/- 2 degrees Fahrenheit)
  
• Food Contact Surfaces of Equipment and Utensils leaned/Sanitized/Good Repair
  
• Posting of Consumer Advisories (Heimlich/Disclosure/Reminder/Buffet Plate)
  
• Food Establishment Permit

IMPORTANT LINKS

Texas Food Establishment Rules

Summary of changes to Texas Food Establishment Rules

Using pH, aw, or the Interaction of pH and aw to Determine if a Food Requires Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS)


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NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS

The City of Abilene has a Nuisance Ordinance that is partially enforced by Environmental Health. Specifically, we address nuisance conditions that are of public health significance, such as broken sewer lines and stagnant pools of water that provide hatiching sites for mosquitoes. Citizens can call 437-4590 to register a complaint about these issues.

• * Repair broken sewer lines immediately. Standing sewage is considered a significant public health hazard.



• * Do not allow water to collect on your property. Old tires, flower pots, pet watering dishes, bird baths, clogged rain gutters, and wading pools can hold water long enough to become breeding sites for mosquitoes. Get rid of your old tires and any other junk item that holds water. Empty flower pots, watering dishes, bird baths, and wading pools regularly and refill with fresh water. Be sure that your rain gutters are not clogged and holding water.

A lot of things can be recycled now. The City of Abilene Recycling Center is located at 2209 Oak. They accept aluminum cans, anti-freeze, bi-metal cans, glass, magazines, newspaper, used oil and oil filters, tires, tree limbs and trunks, bagged grass and leaves, and household hazardous waste. For more information call 672-2209.

For more information about other recycling centers in Abilene, contact Keep Abilene Beautiful at 734-3301.

If you have materials to take to the sanitary landfill, you can call BFI at 672-7613 for more information.


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RODENT AND MOSQUITO CONTROL

Rodents can destroy property, spread filth and disease, and generally are undesirable in your neighborhood. You can discourage rodents from living on your property by keeping the area around your home clean. Items stored on your property such as firewood or lumber should be stacked at least 18" up off of the ground to prevent harborage. Dog food or cat food should be put out in small amounts only. Dishes should be taken up and not left out.

Mosquitoes are a nuisance and can spread disease to you or your pets. Do not allow water to collect on your property. Old tires, flower pots, pet watering dishes, bird baths, clogged rain gutters, and wading pools can hold water long enough to become breeding sites for mosquitoes. Get rid of your old tires and any other junk item that holds water. Empty flower pots, watering dishes, bird baths, and wading pools regularly and refill with fresh water. Be sure that your rain gutters are not clogged and holding water.


Request Mosquito Spraying


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City of Abilene Temporary Food Service Requirements

View the Texas Food Establishment Rules at:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/foodestablishments/

 

Temporary Food Service Requirements and Application

Any questions? Call the Environmental Health Section at (325) 437-4590.




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