Food Safety Observations for State Fairs

State fairs are an end-of-summer tradition and a national institution in America. State fairs delight young and old alike – games, rides, entertainment, and food booths!

However, while having fun – it is important to make some basic food safety observations – so as to prevent a foodborne illness.

Warmer weather, cooking outdoors, and part-time vendors increases the chance of bacteria multiplying on or contaminating food that can make you sick.

Temporary food vendors also pose a risk. They are often part-time cooks and may not have a complete knowledge of proper food safety practices or procedures – or may never have taken a food safety training course – thus increasing the chance of improperly handling food.

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Warmer Temperatures and Lack of Indoor Safety Controls

Foodborne illnesses increase during the summer because not only does bacteria multiply faster in warmer temperatures, but preparing food outdoors makes safe food handling more challenging.

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The usual safety controls that a kitchen provides, like monitoring of food temperatures, refrigeration, workers trained in food safety and washing facilities, may not be available when cooking and dining at fairs and festivals – which can lead to food illness.

Requirements differ by state, but in general, temporary and mobile food vendors should take a food handler training course.

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Food Safety Observations of Food Vendors

  • Does the vendor have a clean/tidy workstation?
  • Does the vendor have a sink for employees to wash their hands?
  • Do the employees wear gloves or use tongs when handling food?
  • Does the vendor have refrigeration on site for raw ingredients or pre-cooked foods?
  • Has the vendor been inspected? Is a recent inspection report available? Requirements vary by state, but in general temporary and mobile vendors, like those at fairs and carnivals, should have a license to sell food and beverages in a particular state or county for a specific time period. You can check with the local health department to see if the vendors are licensed and if a food inspection has been completed.
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Left-Overs – 2 Hour Rule

If bringing food from home, what are proper food handling and storage practices?
If you bring food to a fair or festival from home, be sure to keep food handling and storage times in mind. Don’t let food sit out for more than two hours. On a hot day (90°F or higher), reduce this time to one hour. Be sure to put perishable items in a cooler or insulated bag.

Two Hour Rule - Food Safety

Keep Hands Clean

  • Find out where hand washing stations are located.
  • Always wash your hands right after petting animals, touching the animal enclosure, and exiting animal areas – even if you did not touch an animal.
  • Always wash hands after using the restroom, after playing a game or going on a ride, before eating and drinking, before preparing food or drinks, after changing diapers, and after removing soiled clothes or shoes.
  • Bring hand sanitizers or disposable wipes in case there aren’t any places to wash your hands.
  • Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds.
Food Safety - Washing Hands
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Report an Illness

Anytime you think you may have gotten a foodborne illness, report it to your local health department, even if you have already recovered.

Food Safety - State Fairs - Food Illness Report
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The local public health department is an important part of the food safety system. Often, calls from concerned citizens are how outbreaks are first detected. If a public health official contacts you to find out more about an illness you had, your help is important.

Now you’re on your way to a safe and healthy fair season!

State Fair Directory

State fairs, originally held to celebrate the harvest, have grown into enormously popular events.

Below you will find a list of state fairs and their 2019 dates:

 

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