The use of utensils by food handlers is preferred during the various stages of food preparation. If used, disposable gloves must meet the same sanitary standards for hands as outlined in the State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 590.009 and .011, which covers employee cleanliness and employee hygiene. Disposable gloves must not be used as a substitute for frequent hand washing.

Staphylococcus aureus can accumulate as hands perspire, can multiply on hands that are encased in gloves. If the gloves are ripped or puncture, foods may be contaminated with an even greater number of bacteria than is normally present on hands. Food handlers should avoid the false sense of security that often is associated with the use of disposable gloves.

It has been speculated that both paper currency and metal coins might act as fomites-inanimate objects that may be contaminated with infectious organisms and serve in their transmission. If this is so, then people who contact food would be required to wash their hands between handling money and touching food or food contact surfaces.

In 1971, FDA asked the Treasury Department’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) if paper currency could transmit disease organisms. BEP’s reply stated that "…specifications for currency paper require that it contain fungicidal agents…hav[ing] germicida[al] characteristics …[which] retain their effectiveness throughout the life of the currency in circulation." Additionally, "The inks used… on currency also contain ingredients which inhibit the growth of bacteria." A 1973 survey of 217 bills of various denominations found low number of organisms (1.46-167.26 per square centimeter), thus supporting BEP’s position.

The same survey tested 161 metal coins again finding low levels of organisms (19.50-413.29 per square centimeters).

This information indicates that money does not support the growth or transfer of bacteria, i.e., it is not a "fomite".

I want to run a public benefit dinner at my church or club. Do I need a food permit from the Health Division? How do I apply?

Yes, you will need to apply for a license for a special event. There is a small charge for non-profit and religious organizations. To apply, you will need to fill out a brief form which will ask for a description of the food to be served, contact information, etc. You will be asked to review some basic information on food safety and to confirm that you will comply with all food safety practices required by the Board of Health.

My church has a kitchen that has been inspected by the Health Division. Why would we need a separate permit for special events?

Any event at which the general public is served food will require a separate permit from the Health Division. A variety of factors affect food safety, ranging from the condition of the facility to food handling methods. The permit for individual churches approves the facility itself for specific, limited uses. Health Division must be notified of individual events run by different groups so that foodborne illness outbreaks can be investigated, and so the hosts of the event can be given the necessary information on food safety to prevent such an outbreak in the first place.

No. Bake sales--when limited to baked goods and confections--involve foods that generally don't support the growth of organisms that will cause food borne illnesses. Special events where "potentially hazardous foods" or PHF's are served, such as meat, cheese, and a variety of other foods, however, require a permit and special safety measures.

Are certain people more susceptible to food borne illness?