More than 800 people have completed food safety training ahead of Antigua Carnival as the Central Board of Health steps up efforts to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses during the festivities.

Principal Public Health Inspector Julienne Mannix-Galloway said the agency has trained about 840 people since May, including vendors expected to sell food during the Carnival season.

The most recent session ended Thursday, with officials reporting increased participation from people seeking certification as food handlers.

“We started early to ensure that those who ply their trade handling food during the Carnival season would have enough time to fully complete the training and comply with the requirements for being a food handler,” Mannix-Galloway said.

The programme focused on sanitation, personal hygiene and maintaining food at safe temperatures. Vendors were advised to keep hot food hot and cold food cold to prevent contamination.

Participants were also reminded to wash their hands regularly and wear clean clothing while preparing and serving food.

Training also covered the disposal of used cooking oil and other waste. Mannix-Galloway warned vendors against pouring oil into gutters because it can attract rats and cockroaches. She said used oil should be returned to its container and taken to the sanitary landfill.

Meanwhile, the Central Board of Health has deployed about 10 teams to clean Carnival City and nearby streets after each major event.

Mannix-Galloway said crews entered the city early Sunday following the Opening Parade and T-Shirt Mas, collecting discarded items from Carnival City and surrounding areas.

The agency also participated in the Opening Parade with an educational float promoting public health awareness under the theme, “Don’t Let Mosquitoes Join the Carnival Celebration.”

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: More Than 800 Food Handlers Trained Ahead of Antigua Carnival.