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Letter: Food poisoning

I would like to thank the PI for its story on the foodborne illness outbreak in Rifle.

I was rather concerned initially by the lack of transparency surrounding this episode and would like to applaud the staff of the PI for requesting the records and educating the public about this incredibly serious matter. Without the records request, I do not believe that the public would have been made aware of any of the details in this case, nor would we have known the name of the offending party.

As an industry professional, I was shocked by the details of the PI article. Foodborne illnesses are so easily preventable with proper food handling practices and the training of staff. Thanks to the PI we have all been made aware of the failure of the vendor to ensure safe food handling practices, as well as the county’s failure on licensing and inspecting vendors.



This is an excellent opportunity for everyone to learn more about foodborne illnesses, the safe handling of food and the risks associated with transporting and serving food. When I buy food from a vendor I want to believe that the vendor has been vetted, trained and is competent with regards to food safety. More often than not this is the case, but it only takes a bad decision or two to make an otherwise safe situation extremely dangerous.

I hope that this unfortunate incident is used as an opportunity for everyone in the industry to check and recheck their safety standards, to offer additional training to their staff, and for the public at large to learn a little more about the risks associated with food vendors. Thanks to the PI for looking out for all of us.



Matt Maier

Carbondale


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