CONSUMER PROTECTION FOOD

St. George, August 6, 2008 -- The buzz-word word of many Grenadians since the winds of change of July 8, has been ‘relief”. What, however, is now imperative is the realization and acceptance of the fact that no great improvements in our lot are possible until change takes place in the fundamental ways of our thinking.

We must also come to terms with the understanding that change is not made without inconvenience. It is therefore necessary that we take this opportunity to put in place structures, institutions, and behavioural patterns that will be able to weather any future storms that may buffet us.

Since great emphasis is being placed on individual self help and self reliance, it seems appropriate to consider measures that help to strengthen the health of the populace, ensure a healthy work force (physically, mentally and morally) and thereby contribute to the reduction of the expenditure, both in the public and private sectors, on health issues.

Not many months ago we followed some angry exchanges between members of the legal fraternity and the medical profession, over a matter of tuberculosis at the Richmond Prisons. Unpublished and unconfirmed reports speak of a relatively high incidence of HIV/AIDS locally. True or not, that disease is a matter of great concern globally. What is not in debate locally is the fact that time and again we are visited by a variety of illnesses that keep us out of work for a few days at a time, causes crowding of medical facilities, and high spending on medications for relief.

Many of the communicable illnesses we suffer can be traced to where we work, what and where we eat, and how we greet and interact with others.  It is an observable fact that more and more of our people are now finding their lunches, dinners, snacks, and even breakfast from restaurants and hotels. A goodly number are also finding market-square vendors and fast-food “joints” attractive venues for quick and reasonably inexpensive meals.

What we do not know, in almost all these cases, is the health of the preparers. The  other side of the equation is, under what conditions are the foods prepared? It is not uncommon  to find a parade of cockroaches, swarms of flies and the occasional mouse or rat peeping out of  its hole, in some diners.  Is running water available for staff to wash regularly and frequently?   How often have we seen uncovered food offered for sale on the roadside – nothing to keep out  the dust and other particles  blown by  wind and passing vehicles. When last have we heard of a  facility having been inspected and  cited for pest infestation?

It is timely for us to implement some measures for the protection of the consumer.  It is not too costly for those in the food industry to undergo health examinations on a regular basis and be awarded a health certificate accordingly.  The operators of food venues must take steps to ensure their places of operations are in sanitary conditions and free of pests  and  insects  that spread diseases.

We are all aware that the new government is engaged in shaping its agenda for the way forward. We expect the pressure on the various ministries to be enormous, if only to meet the expectations of the people, and to satisfy its election promises. It is important that, as concerned citizens, we venture suggestions that may help to advance the public awareness of its health and welfare while     reducing the financial burden of the taxpayer. A healthy work force is a must in that pursuit. The cliché “a healthy nation is a wealthy nation” is quite applicable here.

Some may argue that we do not need to place another financial burden on the individual striving to keep self and family alive. Against that view, however, one must weigh the cost of keeping the general population healthy enough to earn a living, spread the tax burden, and enhance the productive capacity of the nation for the benefit of all.
                    
It is not suggested that food handlers deliberately set out to spread illness among us. What we advocate is that measures be adopted to protect the consumer; measures that will additionally safeguard the health of a group that is particularly important to the health and welfare of the nation. “There are people who heal hurts and people who cause them,” consciously or not. Let us help the food handler not be the cause of hurt.