Camping food safety

Residents set to enjoy traditional camping excursions over Easter should plan to keep themselves and their environment safe and healthy.

The Department of Environmental Health issues the following reminders:

Keep raw foods separate from cooked or ready-to-eat foods.

Wash hands between handling raw and cooked or ready to eat foods.

Protect food from contamination by keeping it covered until use.

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Ensure meats, poultry, fish and shellfish are thoroughly cooked before eating.

Keep hot foods hot (above 145 degrees Fahrenheit) and cold foods cold (below 41 degrees Fahrenheit).

Use a sanitizer to thoroughly clean all work surfaces, knives, chopping boards and other food utensils.

Reheat food thoroughly.

Wash hands after bathroom visits.

Improper garbage disposal and littering are liable to penalties under the Litter Law and the Public Health Law, including a fine of up to $500. Residents should, therefore, avoid such practises. All solid waste products should be properly disposed.

To assist with process, the department will provide commercial containers throughout the island at the following locations:

Barkers – West Bay

Car Park West of Jefferson Public Beach – West bay

Seven Mile Public Beach – West Bay

Smith’s Cove – George Town

South Sound Public Boat Ramp – George Town

Bodden Town Public Beach – Bodden Town

Colliers Public Beach – East End

Queens Highway – East End

Kaibo Public Beach – North Side

Human waste should be disposed of in a sanitary manner. Campers should rent a portable toilet or camp at locations with bathroom facilities.

Improper disposal of human waste is an offence under the Public Health Law 2002 revision, part III, punishable by fines of up to $1,000 and six months imprisonment.