fy) ‘GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS f)Derarrmen oF HeattH / DIVSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 105 Hemi SxS Sone TO SY te TOOL 30) o000 4842 PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Contact: Kevin L. Jackson G25 / Division of Environmental Hesith Chvistansted, VI Phone: 340-718-1311 x 3700 Email: Kevinjackson os deh@icloud com Food Vendors at Public Events Food Vendors at Public Events must Possess Health Permits and Health Cards. St. Croix, VI — July 9, 2019 - Please be advised that all Vendors, providing food and beverage at public events are to possess a valid Vendors License (issued by the DLCA) along with a Health Permit and Health Card issued by the VI Department of Health, Division of Environmental Health. Food Safety is critical to Public Health. The Centers'for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year roughly 48 milion Americans (one in six) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, Moreover, foodborne ilinasses cost over $50 billon each year! Foodbome illness is caused by consuming fdod-or drink that is contaminated by germs. Perhaps the food was not fully cocked or left out at room temperature, Perhaps somaone who handled the food was sick or had germs on their hands. Even the simplest errs in food handling can cause someone to get 2 foodborne illness, and when this happens to Wo or more people, itis called a foodbome outbreak If during an event, a food vendor is discovered to not be in possession of a Health Permit andlor Health Card, there's 2 good chance of receiving stiff fines and an even beiter chance of having the operation Cf the boothistall or food truck, be interrupted.