Meat Trucks

Regarding recent reports of people selling meat from the back of trucks in Platte County.  It is important to verify the source of meat products that you buy, they should be labeled with a USDA or MDA stamp.  If someone comes to your house in an unmarked truck trying to sell meat ask to see licenses, etc and check for the stamps and dates.  If they can provide those they may be legitimate, if they cannot please notify the Platte County Health Department or the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Restaurant Scam hits Platte County

A scam on restaurant operators by people claiming to be health inspectors has been occurring around the U.S. and Canada. Today DHSS was informed that a restaurant in Missouri was contacted by someone claiming to represent “the State Health Department” and who also requested the restaurant’s “security code” and stated they would conduct a restaurant inspection the following day. The scam involves a series of phone calls asking for “security codes”, and sometimes, the caller threatens the restaurant owner will be fined for lack of cooperation. The calls are designed to pry personal information out of the restaurant operators. There are variations on the scam, but the calls generally involve requests for “security code” information. Some reports also suggest that the callers may have requested personal information, such as cell phone numbers. DHSS encourages any restaurant that receives a call from someone saying they are from the health department and asking for security codes, and saying they will be at the restaurant shortly to conduct an inspection, to not participate and to notify local law enforcement authorities. Public health inspectors do not typically announce their visits. Business owners who believe that they were targeted by a scam such as this should contact their local law enforcement authority.

Pictsweet Frozen Peas Recall

The Pictsweet Company Announces a Voluntary Recall of Frozen Green Peas Due to Possible Health Risk
October 15, 2010 - The Pictsweet Company of Bells, TN today announced a voluntary recall of certain codes of store brand products containing frozen Green Peas after the company learned that some of the packages may contain glass fragments, which may cause injury if ingested.
http://www.dhss.mo.gov/FoodRecalls/PictsweetFrozenPeasRecall_10-18-10.html

Childcare Frequently Asked questions

Here is a link for childcare providers to frequently asked questions about sanitation.  Stay tuned for new handouts and checklists!
http://www.dhss.mo.gov/EnvironmentalChildCare/Faq.html