FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 24, 2006
S.C. food service establishments cautioned about sales letter
COLUMBIA – A private business called the South Carolina Food Service Compliance Center has sent letters to a number of food service establishments in South Carolina incorrectly stating that state food codes have been amended to require hand washing posters and offering to sell them the approved posters, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control reported today.
“While DHEC does have hand-washing requirements for employees of food service establishments, there is no requirement that signs must be posted,” said Sandra Craig, director of DHEC’s food protection division. “However, we do provide free signs to these facilties to remind their employees to wash their hands thoroughly and often.”
Craig said the letter cites several sections of a so-called “State and Federal Food Code” with requirements, procedures and penalties for lack of compliance. Similar letters have been sent to food service establishments in North Carolina, Georgia, Michigan, Alabama, Iowa, Kansas and Louisiana.
“The ‘Food Code’ quoted in the letter is not applicable in South Carolina,” she said.
Craig said the letter has been referred to DHEC’s Office of General Counsel for review.
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For more information:
Thom Berry (803) 898-3885
berrytw@dhec.sc.gov
BNR1733