Food safety tips for farmers’ markets
Food safety is getting more attention than ever—and with good reason. Fifteen years ago, most people would not have been able to pronounce the microbe ‘Salmonella’ let alone discuss it in everyday conversation. Outbreaks at home and abroad have raised the public’s concerns about food safety. That means that consumers are far more conscious of how food is produced and handled.
Customers pay attention to such things as: the way you prepare and display your food; the personal hygiene of you and your employees, and the way you construct and keep your stand clean. If people see things they don’t like, in most cases they won’t tell you. They simply won’t come back. So what should you do? Make sure you and your employees know how to handle and display food properly. Two simple tips for food safety at farmers’ markets: 1. Keep hands clean. Ensure that all employees who handle produce are aware of why and when they need to wash their hands. For example: after going to the washroom or after touching their face, animals, money or any other surface that could contaminate their hands. If a petting zoo is present at farmers’ markets, ensure that customers and employees do not touch the pets and then handle food without washing their hands in between. Be sure to post hand-washing signs. 2. Use proper containers. Display produce in clean containers. Ensure that containers do not permit access to pests. For example, do not place produce directly on the ground. Remember: food safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Effective food safety programs allow your business to be competitive, and provide save, high quality products for consumers. Make sure you take the proper steps to protect people’s safety before you sell produce to Ontario families.
Urban Agriculture Business Information Bundle (BIB)
Urban agriculture refers to food production in urban areas whether it is for personal consumption, commercial sale, education or therapy. It can take a variety of forms, including: gardening and livestock raised in backyards; container gardening on balconies or rooftops; community gardening and city allotments. Despite the density of urban development, there are many opportunities to grow fruit and vegetables within city limits and even raise fish and livestock. Currently about 15 percent of the world’s food is grown in urban areas, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. However, there are risks and issues that must be considered, particularly when it comes to raising livestock in cities. For this reason, many municipalities have established by laws governing urban agriculture. For more information go to: www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/urbanagbib/welcome.htm.
