Schiff comments on Intro 908 FPC database and Intro 1124 recertification
Schiff explains that Intro 908 would require DOHMH to maintain and check a database of food protection certificate holders before enforcement. She says a trained supervisor on site is critical, but the department is concerned about maintaining decades of records; she supports the intent of Intro 1124's five-year renewal and wants to work with Council on details.
Turning to the legislation under consideration today, Introduction 908 would require the department to maintain a database of food protection certificate holders and check it to confirm there is an FPC holder present
at the restaurant before taking enforcement action.
Having a supervisor trained in food protection on site whenever the restaurant is operating is perhaps our most important food safety requirement and critical to protecting diners.
Each year, the department trains about 35,000 restaurant supervisors in food protection at our health academy, awarding a wallet-size FPC certification card with the supervisor's photograph to those who complete the course and pass the exam.
Checking that an FPC holder is at the restaurant by reviewing the supervisor's FPC card is a key part of every food safety inspection.
We understand that on occasion, the restaurant's
supervisor may not have their FPC card with them, leaving them unable to show that they have the required training.
When that happens, the inspector attempts to contact the Health Academy for a database check to confirm the person is an FPC holder, but that process is imperfect, including because the records are deleted after 10 years, so older certificates are unavailable.
The department supports the intent of the legislation, but is concerned that as drafted, the bill would require the department to maintain decades of electronic records and poses other operational hurdles.
We appreciate the discussion we have already had with the sponsor and look forward to discussing potential approaches with council.
Next, Introduction 1124 would require the FPC holder to renew their certification every five years.
We support the intent to enhance food safety protections and would like to work with the Council on the best ways to meet this objective.