Planning for Food Protection During the Bicentennial Celebration in the Nation's Capital

Abstract

The potential for foodborne disease outbreaks is increased during mass feeding activities and periods in which food services are overtaxed; this is a major concern of health agencies throughout the United States as they prepare for the Bicentennial celebration. As the District of Columbia government has had some experience in planning food protection services for intense activities generated by large influxes of people, it has developed a comprehensive food protection program in preparation for the Bicentennial activities. Included in the District government's plans is the implementation of a “self-inspection” program to be conducted by trained and certified food service workers in selected food service establishments throughout the city. While the District government cannot guarantee that no food borne diseases will occur during the Bicentennial celebration, the food protection program will maximize its efforts to ensure that consumers are protected against food-borne health hazards.