Background/Project Description
The "Aware at the Fair" project addresses the challenges of reporting and investigating foodborne illness systems at large temporary food events. The goal of the project is to identify barriers to timely and effective illness and outbreak reporting and investigation related to county fairs.
Major Objectives:
- Identify a minimum of five barriers to timely reporting of foodborne illness as applicable to fair venue.
- Develop a system for accurate tracking of 100 percent of vendors, menus, and food booth inspections at two fairs in 2006.
- Develop educational programs on reporting and investigation of foodborne illness from a public health perspective for three targeted groups: providers, vendors, and the general public.
Project Contact:
Pat Beckenhaupt, RN, MS, MPH
Director of Health
pbeckenhaupt@nddh.org
Background/Project Description
The project improves the recognition, reporting, and timeline for foodborne illness investigation at the local health department level by developing a model program.
Major Objectives:
- Standardize the intake of foodborne illness complaints and lab reports through an in-house foodborne illness reaction team;
- Develop an educational program for the public on food safety, foodborne illness, and proper reporting;
- Improve local provider differential diagnosis and reporting through dissemination of information concerning recognition, reporting, and diagnosis; and
- Create a GIS (geographic information system) database of restaurant inspections that can be analyzed by attributes, location, and inspection date.
Project Contact:
Paul Fernald
Sanitarian
pfernald@qvhd.org
