HB2060

Report Title:

Food Safety

Description:

Prohibits information gained from food safety consultative and education program from being used for enforcement purposes. Deletes voluntary aspects of program.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2060
TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2002
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO THE FOOD SAFETY CONSULTATIVE AND EDUCATION PROGRAM.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. Section 321-401, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"[[]§321-401[]] Findings and purpose. The purpose of this part is to establish a [non-enforcement] program within the department of health to provide [voluntary] food safety surveillance and control, and educational activities to assist the food service industry and foodhandlers. The legislature finds that education is necessary for attaining [voluntary] compliance in food safety. Informed food managers and foodhandlers are essential for the control of foodborne pathogens in foods served to the public.

Restaurants, catering services, delicatessens, markets, and other food purveyors employ foodhandlers who need continuing education and training in food safety. Foodhandlers work with fresh, uncooked, or prepared foods which may contain foodborne disease microorganisms that can cause severe sickness to large numbers of people at the same time. It is the intent of the legislature to take preventive measures through educational programs and analytical studies of contamination outbreaks."

SECTION 2. Section 321-402, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"[[]§321-402[]] Food safety consultative and education program. (a) There is established the food safety consultative and education program within the department of health. The department may place this program within any appropriate division.

(b) The program shall be managed and staffed by persons who are trained and experienced in public health aspects of food, including food science, foodborne disease epidemiology, food microbiology, and food sanitation.

(c) Generic food safety information gained from studies conducted as part of the program may be shared with foodhandlers in certification workshops and food safety classes.

(d) Information gained from this food safety consultative and education program may not be used for enforcement actions."

SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________