TULSA, OK – [September 24, 2019] – The Tulsa Health Department has a long history of working closely with the Tulsa State Fair to ensure that fairgoers can indulge in their favorite fair cuisine without fear of contracting a foodborne illness. This year, the fair will include approximately 230 individual food booths that will be inspected to determine compliance with State food regulations.
Food inspectors will be educating fair vendors about food safety and conducting frequent inspections to ensure that the vendors are using safe food handling practices. This practice has proven very effective in protecting the public.
THD inspectors will put in approximately 570 man hours throughout the duration of the fair while conducting approximately 750 food inspections. They will educate vendors on appropriate food handling procedures and most importantly, ensure that proper handwashing techniques are used.
Additionally, THD’s Regional Prevention Coordinator program offers free Responsible Beverage Service and Sales Training (RBSS) to vendors who plan to serve or sell alcohol at the fair. The purpose of the training is to provide those individuals with the knowledge and skills to serve or sell alcohol safely, responsibly and legally. Evidence shows that a combination of RBSS training and enforcement can reduce sales to underage persons as well as service to those who are already intoxicated. The training was not required but encouraged to help keep everyone safe during the fair.
THD works to safeguard public health through education on safe food handling practices and the regulation of food service establishments. THD performs more than 12,000 inspections of approximately 4,500 food service establishments annually. In addition, approximately 500 food safety training classes are conducted each year to educate restaurant employees and other food employees on food safety.
For more information or concerns about food safety, please call 918-595-4300.
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