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55th Annual Yankee Conference on Enviromental Health
October 4th & 5th, 2017 Newport Harbor Hotel 49 America’s Cup Ave. Newport, RI 02840 View booklet Register Online
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What is Deet?
DEET is a chemical (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) used as the active ingredient in many insect repellent products. Approximately 30% of the U.S. population uses DEET repellents each year. Formulations registered for direct application to human skin contain from 4% to 100% DEET. Approximately 230 products containing DEET are currently registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). […]
Read MoreLegislative Action Opportunity: Choke Safe Bill
Do you inspect food establishments? Then you are aware of the outdated MGL c.94 Section 305D, which indicates that all restaurants with a capacity of 25 persons or more “require a device approved by the department of public health (DPH) that is designed and intended for use in removing food which may become lodged in […]
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Mosquito Bite Prevention
Not all mosquitoes are the same. Different mosquitoes spread different viruses and bite at different times of the day. Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites. Keep mosquitoes from laying eggs in and near standing water. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as […]
Read MoreFood Topics
2016 Merged Food Code (This document is a work aid developed by MEHA Executive Board members to review DPH’s proposed changes to Chapter 10 of the State Sanitary Code, 105 CMR 590.000, Minimum Sanitation Standards for Food Establishments. Prepared by MEHA for review purposes only. Not an official regulation.) 2016 Massachusetts Retail Food Code Presentation […]
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Eating Outdoors – Handling Food Safely
Keeping food at proper temperatures – indoor and out – is critical in preventing the growth of foodborne bacteria. The key is to never let your picnic food remain in the “Danger Zone” – between 40 °F and 140 °F – for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if outdoor temperatures are above 90 […]
Read MoreTemperature Standards for Dishmachines
High Temperature Machines 150 deg F minimum wash temperature Ideal: 160 – 165 deg F; avoids baking soils on to dishes Wash tank temperature maintained by separate heating source 180 deg F minimum rinse temperature 195 deg F maximum allowed by NSF “Booster heater” heats incoming water to 180 deg F 110 deg F incoming […]
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Drinking Water Regulations
The National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs or primary standards) are legally enforceable standards that apply to public water systems. Primary standards protect public health by limiting the levels of contaminants in drinking water. View the list of regulated contaminants here. Each year by July 1st you should receive a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), also […]
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Using Insect Repellents
Recent outbreaks of mosquito-borne viral illnesses in Puerto Rico and Hawaii have raised questions about how to protect against the mosquitoes that transmit dengue, Zika, and other viral diseases (Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti). Insect repellents are one part of a more comprehensive program to control mosquitoes that transmit diseases such as dengue or Zika. […]
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How to Dispose of Unused Medicines
Most drugs can be thrown in the household trash, but consumers should take certain precautions before tossing them out, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A few drugs should be flushed down the toilet. And a growing number of community-based “takeback” programs offer another safe disposal alternative. Learn more at the FDA website.
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