THE 2002 OREGON FOOD SANITATION RULES

On January 1, 2002 the Oregon Department of Human Services adopted the 1999 FDA Food Code, with some modifications. One of the proposed rule changes requires that there always be a person in charge on site, and that this person in charge must be able to demonstrate knowledge of the new code. This knowledge is outlined on pp. 21-23 of the Oregon Food Sanitation Rules. It covers the most important areas of food safety and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points. "The person in charge shall demonstrate this knowledge by compliance with this Code, by being a certified food protection manager who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program, a corporate training program approved by the Department of Human Services, or by responding correctly to the inspector's questions as they relate to the specific food operation." This will eliminate the ridiculous situation inspectors occasionally run into where queried workers will report that "…no one is in charge." After all what good are food codes if a facility is able to operate without anyone present knowing the requirements for food safety!

A Food Safety training class is being offered with encouragement from the Multnomah County Food Service Advisory Committee