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Health officer: 37 food inspections, one temporary shutdown; porta-potties clean but handwashing stations often lacked soap
Summary
Health staff reported 37 inspections during the fair with one vendor temporarily shut down for a refrigeration/temperature violation; porta-potties were reportedly clean but several handwashing stations were out of soap on both days.
Health officer Angela Boyer reported to the Fair Commission on Sept. 17 that the health department conducted 37 inspections during the fair; most vendors passed, but one vendor was briefly closed over refrigeration issues and later reopened.
"37 inspections. Most were all good. There was 1 that had a lot of issues, but they were able to resolve them and stay open," Boyer said.
Why it matters: Food safety inspections protect public health at large events. The temporary shutdown demonstrates the department’s enforcement role, while reports about handwashing supplies raise questions about contracted service levels for sanitation stations.
Key details
- Inspections: Boyer said refrigeration and temperature issues accounted for the only significant food-safety problems this year; one vendor serving egg rolls was shut down on Sunday for a refrigeration violation (cream cheese not refrigerated) and opened again Monday after correcting the problem.
- Sanitation: Several meeting participants praised the condition of porta-potties but said handwashing stations were out of soap on Sunday and Monday despite being the city’s responsibility to refill. "They were out of soap, like, sat like, both days," a commissioner said. Commissioners said they will check with DPW and the contracted porta-potty company about refill schedules; Lions Club volunteers and other vendors were also proposed as backup sources for soap and sanitizer.
- Next steps: Staff said they would check with the rental company about who refills soap and water in handwashing stations and would coordinate with volunteer groups where appropriate.
Ending
The health department’s report indicated no persistent, citywide food-safety failures; one vendor’s temporary closure was resolved. Commissioners directed staff to follow up on sanitation replenishment and vendor refrigeration guidance before next year’s fair.
