10 More Food Shops Closed by CBH; One told to Discard All Food

In recent times, there has been a significant surge in the number of street vendors removed from public spaces.

This development raises a pertinent question: Can we trust the food we consume from these vendors to be safe for our health?

With modern life’s fast-paced pace, many individuals, particularly those who work in busy areas like St Johns, find it challenging to prepare their meals at home regularly.

As a result, they often resort to eating out at restaurants and buying food from street vendors.

However, the recent crackdown on street vendors suggests this might not be the safest option.

It may be time for the public to consider taking charge of their diet by cooking their meals at home.

On the 26th of April, the Central Board of Health inspected seventeen food vendors. Ten vendors were found to be preparing and selling food unhygienically and instructed to cease operations immediately.

Seven vendors were operating without a hand washing station, while ten vendors were found to be without a valid food safety badge.

Furthermore, six vendors were found to be holding food at incorrect temperatures, which can pose a risk to public health. One vendor had to dispose of their food items as they were deemed unsafe for consumption.

The very next day, on the 27th of April, another round of inspections was carried out by the Central Board of Health. This time, seven vendors were inspected, and four of them were instructed to cease the preparation and sale of food.

Three vendors were found to be operating without a hand washing station, while five vendors were without a valid food safety badge.

Moreover, two vendors were found to be holding food at incorrect temperatures, and two vendors had to dispose of their food items due to safety concerns.

The Central Board of Health is urging all food vendors to obtain a valid food safety badge and comply with the recommended guidelines to ensure the safety of their customers.

Additionally, all homes and businesses must undergo a thorough inspection before reopening.

A meeting is scheduled for the 29th of April at the Central Board of Health office, during which the owners of the businesses instructed to cease food preparation will be briefed about the necessary steps to resume their operations.

To further ensure food safety, a special training session has been arranged for all businesses instructed to cease food preparation on May 1st.

All food vendors must register for the training no later than the 30th of April at the Central Board of Health office located on Upper Church Street.