Vendors Encouraged To Prepare Food Safely

As Crop Over festivities approach, food vendors operating at events during the season are reminded to employ safe food practices to make the festival enjoyable for everyone.

Health authorities continue to emphasise the importance of proper hand hygiene, in addition to other measures to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses. Vendors are reminded that they must cover food at all times to keep out pests, store food in covered containers, cook food thoroughly and ensure that hot foods are kept hot and cold foods cold.

In addition, Environmental Health Officers have also advised that in an effort to prevent cross-contamination, vendors must use separate utensils for raw and cooked foods.  Additionally, they should clean utensils and surfaces regularly.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness encourages food vendors to keep these tips in mind during the Crop Over activities.

• Purchase food from reputable sources
• Prepare food in a clean kitchen
• Thaw foods correctly – in refrigerator/under running water
• Prepare foods close to transportation or consumption time
• Transport foods in a clean vehicle
• Have an adequate amount of warmers/sternos
• Store food products at least six inches above the floor
• Have adequate ice for storage
• Have sufficient potable water for cooking and cleaning
• Have cleaning and sanitising agents
• Have refuse containers with covers
• Store food at the correct temperatures – hot foods above 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and cold foods 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below
• Ensure utensils are used to serve food safely

When it comes to personal hygiene, individuals are asked to:

• Wash hands regularly with soap and clean water
• Wash hands before food preparation and after using the toilet
• Shower and wear clean clothes and an apron daily
• Wear a hair covering
• Do not wear jewellery  
• Keep nails short and clean
• Avoid handling food when sick
• Do not smoke, eat, or cough over food
• Do not handle money and food at the same time

Once these food safety and personal hygiene tips are put into practice, this will ensure that everyone stays healthy and safe during the festival.

Ministry of Health and Wellness

Author: Melissa Rollock

Published: July 03, 2026