Stop using deodorizers on preparation surfaces, food handlers told
The Environmental Health Department has sounded an alarm on the use of deodorizers on food preparation surfaces, and is calling on food handlers and establishments that serve food to put a halt to the practice.
Chief Environmental Health Officer Lionel Michael, said his department observed the practice during a number of inspections at local restaurants, bars, delis, grocery stores, and supermarkets in the territory.
He told BVI News his department also received a number of complaints about the practice.
Deodorizers such as air fresheners, aerosols and disinfectants are used to remove unpleasant odours from an area.
Michael said these deodorizers should not be used to clean equipment, stoves, tables, countertops, table mats, microwaves, can openers, refrigerators, or any other food preparation area.
“Deodorisers are not cleaning agents for food surfaces. Deodorizers are for floors and bathrooms – their purpose is for deodorising floors and walls but not on food surfaces. Deodorizers can leave a residue, and chemical contaminants on food surfaces can get on food and cause chemical contamination and chemical poising. It can lead to foodborne illness,” Michael told BVI News.
Online research has shown symptoms and severity of complications of chemical poisoning vary and usually depend on the type of chemical, the length of exposure, the person’s age and medical history, as well as other factors.
Chemicals described as suitable for food surfaces are vinegar, vinegar mixed with baking soda, household bleach, and other types of sanitizers that will clean surfaces and make them hygienic.
The Environmental Health Department said measurement for the bleach is one bleach bottle cap to one gallon of water.
The purpose of sanitisers is to reduce or kill microorganisms after thoroughly cleaning. Chemicals are not to be mixed together, Michael further advised.
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Thank you for bringing this to the attention of these establishments as I’m tired of Windex being sprayed around my food!
You should have gave a few examples of Deodorisers to help some people. Eg Fabuloso. Fabuloso is a floor cleaning agent. I dont understand how people put it on the laundry. Even Pinesol in laundry?
Knowledge is Power!
People continue to do these things along with eating everything from a Styrofoam container then proceed to blame the “Devil” for the explosion in cancer rates. Your health is a reflection of your lifestyle, people.
I aint washing without a hint of pinesol. It kills germs, so why not. More now than
ever the place full of “yuck”. Pinesol it is!
You would soon be the ‘yuck’. You wash your clothes with pinesol including your underwear which rubs on a female’s vagina, a male’s penis. Does that sound smart from a health perspective? Do you work or hang out at the garbage dump for your clothes to be full of yuck?
I have seen persons using 5 to 6 products to wash their clothes, including Fabulous. I am not sure where this practice emerge from, but overtime I do not believe it to be safe.
As this is a health issue and a serious one, the public needs to know timely which establishments are falling short.
Training is key along with the ability to hire properly skilled staff and trainers from abroad.
I think the health department needs to start eating these restaurants and food establishments. And they need to ensure that these ratings are made public. I think the business owners will then ensure quality service and products
Once you all buy me the right product too use. If not. ? UC ? OFF. With you all piss. Hurricane season in.
Who do you call or speak to if you have a complain
Yes who do you complain to. Two weeks ago I saw something so repelling at at a main street restaurant by the bakery. But it was after I had eaten. And that wasn’t a good feeling.
what the health the department should advise the restaurantant industry on how to sanitize thier establisments, in a safe way. And also have a rating for the food business, it doesn’t matter if it a buliding van or under a tent.