Managing Food & Water Safety - During Inclement Weather Events

MANAGING FOOD & WATER SAFETY DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER EVENTS T O O L K I T

MANAGING FOOD AND WATER SAFETY

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MANAGING FOOD AND WATER SAFETY

SNEAK PEEK BOIL WATER ADVISORY Houston Health Department FOOD & WATER SAFETY TALKING POINTS MARKETING MESSAGING/ SOCIAL MEDIA

MANAGING FOOD AND WATER SAFETY

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BOIL WATER NOTICE Frequently asked questions for Food Service Establishments Houston Water will issue a boil water notice, even if there is a very unlikely possibility of drinking water contamination, as a precaution to protect customers. State laws require that a Boil Water Notice is issued if a water system has (or could have) become contaminated from a water line break or loss of system pressure.

WHAT FOOD FACILITIES ARE AFFECTED?

All food facilities / establishments including bars, restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, caterers, cafeterias in schools, nursing homes and hospitals, charitable food facilities, kitchens in non-profit institutions, food manufacturers and distributors and anyone else involved in the commercial preparation and distribution of food, water and beverages are affected by the boil water advisory issued.

WHAT DOES A BOIL WATER ORDER MEAN? According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's guidelines for a “boil water” order all water used for drinking, preparing food, beverages, ice cubes, washing fruits and vegetables, should be brought to a rolling boil for at least two minutes on a stovetop, in an electric kettle, or in a microwave (in a microwave-safe container).

WHAT SHOULD THE BAR, RESTAURANT, SUPERMARKET OR FOOD SERVICE MANAGER DO? A food facility manager is responsible for conducting both the initial and ongoing assessments to ensure consistent compliance with food safety requirements.

1. Assess food, water and ice in your facility affected by the advisory start date.

2. Implement the appropriate emergency procedures outlined below or remain closed until disinfection of contaminated items occurs and boil water advisory is lifted.

3. Immediately discontinue operations if a safe operation cannot be maintained using alternative procedures.

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Follow all Houston Water requirements for flushing lines and thoroughly clean and sanitize all food contact surfaces prior to resuming normal operations if closed.

WHAT SHOULD FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS DO TO ADDRESS A CURRENT BOIL WATER ORDER? The following are temporary alternative procedures that can be taken to address specific affected food operations during a boil water notice. Where “boiled” water is indicated, the water must remain at a rolling boil for at least two minutes. Large volumes of water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least three to five minutes.

WHAT ARE ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF DRINKING WATER? • •

Use commercially bottled water Arrange to use a licensed potable drinking water tanker truck.

H OUST ON H E AL T H DE P AR T MEN T 8000 North Stadium Drive Houston, TX 77054 832-393-5169

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MANAGING FOOD AND WATER SAFETY

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT BEVERAGES MADE WITH PIPED IN WATER – INCLUDING CARBONATED BEVERAGE DISPENSERS, AUTO-FILL COFFEE MAKERS, INSTANT HOT WATER DISPENSER, JUICE, TEA, ETC? Discontinue use of post-mix carbonated beverage machine, auto-fill coffee makers, instant hot water heaters, etc. using auto-fill. Remove, clean or replace any filters that may have been connected to water lines.

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT ICE? Discard existing ice made after the boil water notice has been lifted and clean and sanitize ice bins.

Discontinue making ice until boil water notice is lifted. Use commercially manufactured ice from an unaffected water supply.

WHAT ABOUT FOOD PRODUCTS REQUIRING WATER? Discard any ready-to-eat food prepared with water prior to the boil water notice. Prepare ready-to-eat food using commercially bottled or boiled water.

WHAT ALTERNATIVES ARE THERE FOR WASHING/SOAKING PRODUCE? Do not use tap water for washing/soaking produce. Use pre-washed packaged produce. Use frozen/canned fruits and vegetables. Wash fresh produce with water that has been boiled, commercially bottled water, or safe potable water hauled from another unaffected public water supply system.

CAN TAP WATER BE USED TO THAW FROZEN FOODS? Do not use tap water to thaw frozen foods. Thaw only in the refrigerator, or microwave as part of the cooking process.

CAN TAP WATER BE USED WHEN COOKING FOOD? Use commercially bottled water. Use water that has been at a rolling boil for at least two minutes. Arrange to use a licensed drinking water tanker truck.

CAN TAP WATER BE USED BY EMPLOYEES OF A FOOD ESTABLISHMENT FOR HANDWASHING? The best practice is to use only boiled, bottled or treated water for handwashing. If that is not possible, and handwashing is done with soap and tap water, you must thoroughly dry your hands with paper towels and then use a hand sanitizer.

As a reminder -- food handlers must NOT touch ready to eat foods with bare hands. Instead they should use disposable papers, gloves and utensils.

CAN CUSTOMERS USE TAP WATER IN THE RESTROOMS DURING A BOIL WATER ORDER? Customers may use tap water for handwashing provided that hand sanitizer is made available at each sink.

WHAT ABOUT CLEANING AND SANITIZING UTENSILS AND TABLEWARE? Use disposable, single-service utensils and tableware, or use the existing automatic dish machine or the 3compartment sink. Make certain that the sanitization step is being properly conducted (sanitizer

H OUST ON H E AL T H DE P AR T MEN T 8000 North Stadium Drive Houston, TX 77054 832-393-5169

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MANAGING FOOD AND WATER SAFETY

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concentration/temperature). Heat sanitizing dishwashers may be used only if verification can be made via a dishwashing thermometer that the final rinse temperature is reaching 185 F or above for the full rinse cycle.

CAN SPRAY MISTING UNITS BE USED? Spray misting units used to spray produce, seafood, meat cases, etc cannot be used. Discard any foods exposed to misters after the boil water notice was issued or any that may have been exposed to contaminated water prior to the advisory. Discontinue use of misters until boil water is lifted.

HOW LONG WILL THE NEED TO BOIL WATER CONTINUE? Customers should not stop boiling the water until they receive notice from Houston Water.

Typically, the need to boil water lasts for 24 to 48 hours, but can be longer. How long will depend on the conditions that caused the need to boil, how quickly the conditions are corrected, and how long it takes for laboratory results to confirm it is safe to return to normal water use. Houston Water will provide updates on the progress of corrective actions and how long the event is expected to last.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO WHEN THE NOTICE HAS BEEN LIFTED?

Houston Water will notify you when it is no longer necessary to boil the water. You should flush your water system by running all cold water faucets in your home for at least one minute, cleaning automatic ice makers by making and discarding three batches of ice, and running water softeners through a regeneration cycle.

WHY IS THE BOIL WATER NOTICE IMPORTANT?

Contaminated water may contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some elderly and people with severely compromised immune systems.

WHO SHOULD I CONTACT WITH ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?

Please contact the Houston Health Department Bureau of Consumer Health Services at CHS@houstontx.gov 832-393-5100, or call 311.

H OUST ON H E AL T H DE P AR T MEN T 8000 North Stadium Drive Houston, TX 77054 832-393-5169

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MANAGING FOOD AND WATER SAFETY

FOOD SAFETY

After a Power Outage

Know how to keep food safe after emergencies. Follow these tips to help minimize food loss and reduce your risk of foodborne illness.

ONCE THE POWER IS BACK ON WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT! Check the temperature inside of your refrigerator and freezer. If they’re still at safe temperatures, your food should be fine.

WHAT SHOULD I THROW OUT? Meat, poultry or seafood products

Never taste food to determine its safety!

WHAT CAN I KEEP?

Soft cheeses and shredded cheeses

Milk, cream, yogurt and other dairy products

Opened baby formula

Eggs and egg products

Dough, cooked pasta

Cooked or cut product

The following foods are safe if held above 40o for more than 2 hours: PARMESAN

Hard cheeses (cheddar, Colby, Swiss, Parmesan, Provolone, Romano)

Grated Parmesan or Romano, or combination (in can or jar)

Butter or margarine

REFREEZE FOOD THAT STILL CONTAINS ICE CRYSTALS OR IS AT 40o OR BELOW

FOLLOW THESE STEPS

Opened fruit juices

Opened canned fruits

Opened vinegarbased dressings

Fruit pies

Jelly, relish, taco sauce, mustard, ketchup, olives, pickles, Worcestershire, soy, barbecue, and hoisin

Bread, rolls, cakes, muffins, quick breads, tortillas

Fresh mushrooms, herbs, and spices

Breakfast foods, (waffles, pancakes, bagels)

Uncut raw vegetables and fruit

AFTER A FLOOD

DO NOT EAT any food that may have touched flood water.

DISCARD FOOD not in waterproof containers; scree-caps, snap lids, pull tops and crimped tops are not waterproof.

DISCARD cardboard juice/milk/baby formula boxes and home canned foods.

DISCARD any damaged cans that have swelling, leakage, punctures, holes, fractures, extensive deep rusting, or crushing/denting severe enough to prevent normal stacking or opening.

Peanut butter

SANITIZE

1 tbsp. bleach + 1 gallon water Pots, pans, dishes and utensils Sourced from www.foodsafetynews.com/files/2021/02/USDA-power-outage-food-safety.jpg

MANAGING FOOD AND WATER SAFETY

Undamaged all-metal cans after removing labels

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Food and Water Safety DURING A BOIL WATER NOTICE

WHAT SHOULD FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS DO TO ADDRESS A CURRENT BOIL WATER ORDER? The following are temporary alternative procedures that can be taken to address specific affected food operations during a boil water notice. Where “boiled” water is indicated, the water must remain at a rolling boil for at least two minutes. Large volumes of water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least three to five minutes.

WHAT ARE ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF DRINKING WATER? • Use commercially bottled water •A rrange to use a licensed potable drinking water tanker truck.

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT ICE? Discard existing ice made after the boil water notice has been lifted and clean and sanitize ice bins.

Discontinue making ice until boil water notice is lifted.

Use commercially manufactured ice from an unaffected water supply.

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WHAT SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT BEVERAGES MADE WITH PIPED IN WATER – INCLUDING CARBONATED BEVERAGE DISPENSERS, AUTO-FILL COFFEE MAKERS, INSTANT HOT WATER DISPENSER, JUICE, TEA, ETC? Discontinue use of post-mix carbonated beverage machine, auto-fill coffee makers, instant hot water heaters, etc. using auto-fill.

Remove, clean or replace any filters that may have been connected to water lines.

WHAT ABOUT FOOD PRODUCTS REQUIRING WATER? Discard any ready-to-eat food prepared with water prior to the boil water notice. Prepare ready-to-eat food using commercially bottled or boiled water.

CAN TAP WATER BE USED TO THAW FROZEN FOODS? Do not use tap water to thaw frozen foods. Thaw only in the refrigerator, or microwave as part of the cooking process.

MANAGING FOOD AND WATER SAFETY

WHAT ALTERNATIVES ARE THERE FOR WASHING/ SOAKING PRODUCE? Do not use tap water for washing/soaking produce.

Use pre-washed packaged produce. Use frozen/canned fruits and vegetables. Wash fresh produce with water that has been boiled, commercially bottled water, or safe potable water hauled from another unaffected public water supply system.

CAN TAP WATER BE USED BY EMPLOYEES OF A FOOD ESTABLISHMENT FOR HANDWASHING? The best practice is to use only boiled, bottled or treated water for handwashing. If that is not possible, and handwashing is done with soap and tap water, you must thoroughly dry your hands with paper towels and then use a hand sanitizer.

As a reminder -- food handlers must NOT touch ready to eat foods with bare hands. Instead they should use disposable papers, gloves and utensils.

CAN TAP WATER BE USED WHEN COOKING FOOD? Use commercially bottled water. Use water that has been at a rolling boil for at least two minutes. Arrange to use a licensed drinking water tanker truck.

CAN SPRAY MISTING UNITS BE USED? Spray misting units used to spray produce, seafood, meat cases, etc cannot be used. Discard any foods exposed to misters after the boil water notice was issued or any that may have been exposed to contaminated water prior to the advisory. Discontinue use of misters until boil water is lifted.

CAN CUSTOMERS USE TAP WATER IN THE RESTROOMS DURING A BOIL WATER ORDER? Customers may use tap water for handwashing provided that hand sanitizer is made available at each sink.

WHAT ABOUT CLEANING AND SANITIZING UTENSILS AND TABLEWARE? Use disposable, single-service utensils and tableware, or use the existing automatic dish machine or the 3-compartment sink. Make certain that the sanitation step is being properly conducted (sanitizer concentration/temperature). Heat sanitizing dishwashers may be used only if verification can be made via a dishwashing thermometer that the final rinse temperature is reaching 185 F or above for the full rinse cycle.

HOW LONG WILL THE NEED TO BOIL WATER CONTINUE? Customers should not stop boiling the water until they receive notice from Houston Water.

Typically, the need to boil water lasts for 24 to 48 hours, but can be longer. How long will depend on the conditions that caused the need to boil, how quickly the conditions are corrected, and how long it takes for laboratory results to confirm it is safe to return to normal water use. Houston Water will provide updates on the progress of corrective actions and how long the event is expected to last.

WHO SHOULD I CONTACT WITH ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? Please contact the Houston Health Department Bureau of Consumer Health Services at

CHS@houstontx.gov 832-393-5100, or call 311.

MANAGING FOOD AND WATER SAFETY

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SOCIAL MEDIA

Talk to Customers Your Customers Talk to Your Consumers are tired of being stuck at home from the impact of both COVID and the severe During this time, it’s important to communicate and engage your customers where During hit thisthe time, it’s important to communicate with yourwith customers where areth – weather that recently area.

Now more than ever, and it is engage crucial to communicate with they and the majority of them are online. and the majority of them are online. your customers on your operational status. Consumers want to know two things:

Wethis realize this pandemic is everything making everything incredibly challenging, andisSysco is suppo here We realize pandemic is making incredibly challenging, and Sysco here to you in every way possible.

We have put together some core fundamentals to help you • Are you open for business yes or no you in every way possible. We have put together some core fundamentals to help you engage en wi yourtocustomers online, boostinawareness on your boil offerings and keep your business going online, boost awareness onof your andwater keep your business going strong • What areyour you customers doing keep consumers safe light theofferings recent advisory during this unprecedented during this unprecedented time. time.

Below are a few thought-starters that you can use on your social mediawebsite, pagesemail, to communicate with your customers.

Your email, and social media can you helpto: you to: Your website, and social media can help

• Be responsive and virtually interact and existing customers in a personal • Be responsive and virtually interact with newwith andnew existing customers in a personal and transparent way.

We are excited to let you know the _________ is open for business, and we are adhering to both COVID and the Boil Water • Answer customer about your business operations and support.

• Answer customer inquiries about your operations and support.

Advisory safety protocols to keep both our customers and teaminquiries members safe.business • Stay connected with your employees by sending them updates.

• Stay connected with your employees by sending them updates.

Long lines at the grocery store? Skip the •lines come to to (Insert Restaurant Name) as we are open for business.with We are adhering Getand safe with your services and comfortable their experience.

• Get guests toguests feel safefeel with your to both COVID and the Boil Water Advisory safety protocols to keep our services customersand and comfortable team memberswith safe.their experience.

Share promotions photos, promotions and updates about your business and services.

• Share •photos, and updates about your business and services.

• Make sure you’re top-of-mind when your customers are looking foroptions. dining options.

• Make sure you’re top-of-mind when your customers are looking for dining • Share your services and availability.

• Share POST your services and availability.

TEMPORARILY CLOSED SOCIAL

OPEN FOR BUSINESS SOCIAL POST and transparent way.

As a result of the severe weather that has recently impacted our area, there is a boil water advisory in place. We will remain closed until we can ensure the safety of our customers and team members. We look forward to serving you soon!

Promote Your ServicesShare Share Your Commitment Promote Your Services Your Commitment

Drive Drive Traffi

CLOSED DUE TO WATER ADVISORY

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OPTIMIZING INDOOR TOOLKIT MANAGING FOOD AND WATER SAFETY OPTIMIZING INDOOR DININGDINING TOOLKIT

• Be responsive and virtually interact with new and existing customers in a personal and transparent way.

• Answer customer inquiries about your business operations and support.

• Stay connected with your employees by sending them updates.

• Get guests to feel safe with your services and comfortable with their experience.

• Share photos, promotions and updates about your business and services.

• Make sure you’re top-of-mind when your customers are looking for dining options.

• Share your services and availability.

MARKETING MESSAGING

Promote Your Services

Share Your Commitment

GIFT CARD SOCIAL POSTS

Drive Traffic

Don’t forget now is the perfect time to offer gift cards to consumers as they make great pick-me-up gifts for those who need it.

General Post: Spread some warmth and send your friends and family gift cards from (Insert Restaurant Name) so they can enjoy a great meal.

General Post: As the area recovers from the recent severe weather, a gift card from( Insert Restaurant Name) will make your next meal easier than ever.

The Deal: Spend (Insert Dollar Amount) on (Insert Name) gift cards to get a $5 bonus gift card.

When: Now through (Insert date) The Deal: Spend (Insert Dollar Amount) on gift cards and receive a coupon for one free dessert.

When: Now through (Insert date)

OPTIMIZING INDOOR DINING TOOLKIT

EXAMPLES OF EMAIL COMMUNICATION Dear friends, We hope you are safe and have found a way to stay warm in these unprecedented circumstances.

Like many of you, we lost power temporarily but we are grateful to be up and running again.

Hi Kevin, The power’s back on and we’ve reopened _______________!

Thanks again for your patience on this.

Hope to see you soon,

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TO VIEW MORE FOODIE RESTAURANT SOLUTIONS click the link here, Syscofoodie.com Please review federal, state and local regulations to ensure your compliance with the law. For safety and sanitation, stay up to date and check the latest information on CDC.gov. Consult your legal advisors regarding any risks associated with starting a new venture or implementing any recommendations.