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Assessing Excluded Organizations:
Guidelines for Local Health Departments
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These guidelines are intended to assist local
health departments (LHDs) when a nonprofit organization chooses
to be an excluded organization. Specifically, this guideline
is intended to outline the role and actions of LHDs in implementing
Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 10.15.03.11, the particular
regulation dealing with excluded organizations.
Excluded organizations should be routinely inspected
by the LHD based on a priority assessment. Additionally, if
necessary, these organizations should be monitored for certain
events depending on the type and volume of foods being served.
I. When the organization reports an event to
the LHD prior to event
A. Prior to the event, the LHD should:
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Meet with the group organization representatives
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Visit the food service operation(s) (i.e.,
kitchen)
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Review food preparation procedures by conducting
a HACCP review or inspection to the menu items for the event.
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Make recommendations regarding compliance
with COMAR 10.15.03, e.g., appropriate food preparation, storage,
serving, hand washing facilities, adequate temperatures, etc.
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Provide educational handouts and materials
on proper food handling to food preparation staff
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If possible, observe food preparation
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Note: routine inspections should be done
on a yearly basis in accordance with the priority assessment
B. During the event, the LHD role may range from not attending
to being present during the event to verify compliance, e.g.,
take temperatures and monitor proper adherence to regulations.
Factors affecting the level of involvement will depend on
the risk of the foods being served, the concern of the LHD
staff about the ability of the organization to follow recommendations,
the size of the event, the level of staffing, etc.
II. When the event is brought to the attention of the LHD
from other than the organizer:
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Upon learning of event(s), contact the organization
regarding the upcoming event(s).
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Institute recommendations in I.A. and B.
above.
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