CEHA 2024

Can relationships improve food safety? Temporary events are special situations and require their own rules, permits, and guidelines. This presentation will discuss Pueblo County’s Temporary Event application and inspection process and how the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment (PDPHE) develops and uses relationships with Event Coordinators to decrease infrastructural issues, improve enforcement procedures, and minimize the risk of a foodborne illness outbreak at a temporary event. 

This Presentation will provide a review of what changes from the adoption of the 2022 FDA food code apply to plan reviews.  

In August 2023, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) received an initial phone report from a school nurse indicating that about 20 known individuals fell ill after attending a catered back to school event the night prior to report. Within hours of notification, the JCPH environmental health and epidemiology teams collaborated to initiate structured case interviews and an on-site NEARS investigation. Of 400 attendees, 136 complete surveys were returned, and 74 respondents fit the case definition, resulting in a 34% response rate among attendees and a 54% attack rate among respondents. No pathogen was clinically identified, since only 3 individuals (4%) agreed to submit stool samples, and only 1 sample was ultimately procured. However, when input into the FoodNet Pathogen Predictor, the combination of epidemiological data and environmental assessment findings indicated a 99.24% probability of Clostridium perfringens infection. Post-outbreak, notable actions included educational sessions with the event caterers that highlighted the need to implement actionable monitoring systems for temperature holding equipment, as well as communication with a legal firm seeking information regarding the outbreak. Main take-aways from the investigation included the importance of emphasizing rapid response to foodborne illness reports, promoting cross-divisional collaboration, and maintaining accurate documentation, as well as the need to identify methods to enhance stool sample submissions. 

Arapahoe County Public Health's approach to mobile regulations was heavily influenced by one mobile inspection day at La Plaza in Aurora, CO. A walkthrough of the compound was conducted with the owner of the property and the mobile operates were notified of the future inspections. The madness that ensued the day of the inspections resulted in 40% closures due to being unlicensed or having an immanent health hazard. Of the remaining mobiles 20% of the following inspections resulted in a re-inspection. There were 32 units on the lot.  This day opened the eyes of the inspectors at ACPH. It heavily influenced the mobile program moving forward.  This is our story.