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| For Immediate Release |
Contact: Andy Deloney |
| August 17, 2006 |
517/377-3931 |
MRA cautions restaurateurs on “handwashing signs” warning
According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture, a business called “Michigan Food Service Compliance Center” has been mailing official-looking flyers to food establishments around the state selling “approved handwashing posters.” The flyers quote sections of the FDA Food Code and the Michigan Food Law of 2000. The wording in the pitch indicates that an operator risks being closed down or fined up to $2500 unless they have handwashing posters that meet the “exact specifications.” Of course, this company claims their posters meet these specifications. Posters are then offered for sale for $19.95 each plus shipping.
While handwashing signs are, indeed, required by the FDA Food Code, they are a non-critical item that would not result in such harsh penalties as a $2500 fine or shut down. The FDA Food Code simply requires that handwashing signs appear at handwashing facilities and that they be legible. Michigan Food Service Compliance Center is not endorsed by the Michigan Restaurant Association or by the Michigan Department of Agriculture.
Founded in 1921, the Michigan Restaurant Association represents more than 4,500 Michigan foodservice establishments. The foodservice industry plays an integral role in Michigan’s economy, employing more than 436,000 people and creating more than $11.3 billion in total annual sales. For more information, call (517) 482-5244.
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