Fundraisers and social events are invaluable to communities. Westford is fortunate to have a number of active churches, clubs and civic organizations raising funds for many worthwhile programs such as scholarships, medical equipment, educational and sport programs. Often fundraisers and social events involve the preparation and serving of food. The purpose of the regulation is not to prohibit temporary food events, but to ensure public safety for individuals attending. We understand in the past, events may or may not have been operated under a food permit, however the latest
revisions to The Massachusetts Food Code is very specific in regards to the preparation and serving of food. A temporary food permit is required for events preparing and serving food.
What is foodborne illness and why is it such a concern?
Foodborne illness often presents itself as the flu.
Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and fever. Due to the nature and the speed symptoms may move through the body, people often do not suspect the illness was caused by bacteria or other pathogens in food. Many people do not think about food safety until a food related illness affects them or a family member.
The CDC estimates there are 75 million cases, 300,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths per year related to food borne illness.
What are Temporary food events? How do the revised regulations affect fundraisers and other community events that include food?
Temporary food events are generally sponsored by clubs, organizations, schools, churches and civic organizations in the community. The event involves either the sale or donation of food to the public.
Temporary food events require a permit, and food for the event must be prepared in a commercial kitchen that has a current permit issued by a local health department.
Potentially high risk foods such as meat, fish, poultry, salads, sandwiches, soups, cream filled baked goods, beans, and cut fruit may not be prepared in a person’s home and donated to an organization for a public event. These foods must be prepared in a commercial kitchen that has a food permit. In Westford, many of our churches and clubs have commercial kitchens that have a permit.
What about bake sales?
Bake sales are limited to informal activities where cookies, cakes, fruit pies, breads and other low risk foods are sold to the public. These events are a one time, one location event and do not require a food permit. You may obtain printed guidelines at the Board of Health office regarding Bake Sales.
Can I prepare food at my home?
The regulations are very strict regarding foods prepared in a private home.
The only foods that may be prepared at home are low risk foods for bake sales and foods that are for donation to a not for profit organization, such as a church or soup kitchen, and the food is intended for the homeless.
Why get a permit?
There are many benefits to preparing and serving food safely. Protecting your customers and your reputation are of highest concern. A well-run event will bring greater participation, repeat customers and higher profits.In the event of a food borne illness, you can show you ran your event “by the book.”Handling food safely helps to preserve its appearance, flavor, texture and nutritive value.
By serving safe food you can avoid legal fees, medical claims, and bad publicity.
How do I get a permit?
Contact the Westford Health Department Monday through Friday 8:00AM – 4:00PM to obtain an application. The fee for a temporary permit is $30.00.
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