Family and Consumer Sciences
Cooperative Extension Service

Contact: (Insert name here)

For Immediate Release: (Insert date)

Requirements for Food Service at Outdoor Events

The season is bringing warmer weather and fun outdoor events will be set in motion. This provides opportunities for profit and nonprofit organizations to offer food service, beverages or meals to the general public. Anyone providing any food or drink to the general public must adhere to the requirements of the Wyoming Food Safety Rule.

Outdoor events are meant to be fun and enjoyable without any worries of getting food-borne illness. Families want to be assured that the food they eat is safe and wholesome. "It is imperative that anyone serving food or drink to the public, follow the Rule to ensure food remains safe," says Wyoming Food Safety Coalition (WFSC) member, Chris Pasley. Outdoor events, such as county fairs, auctions, public picnics, etc., attract numerous people, creating an opportunity for food service. Pasley adds, "It can be quite challenging to ensure that foods remain safe when outdoors, exposed to all weather elements."

The Rule requires that anyone serving food or drink to the public obtain a Food License from either the Wyoming Department of Agriculture or your local City/County Health Department. Pasley states, "A Temporary Food License can be acquired so that profit and nonprofit organizations can provide food service at outdoor locations." There is $25 fee for a Temporary Food License for profit associations. Nonprofit organizations are exempt from paying the fee, though the license is still necessary.

Food safety requirements include maintaining proper temperatures for cold and cooked foods, preventing cross-contamination, practicing good hygiene and controlling insects. "Preventing food borne illness is essential for keeping outdoor activities safe and recreational," Pasley comments.

Anyone planning to provide food service to the public should contact their area consumer health specialist or health inspector to obtain necessary information. Or call the Wyoming Department of Agriculture at (307) 777-7211. Source: Sherry Maston, Consumer Health Specialist, Platte County.

For more information contact (insert agency, name & phone number here) or check your University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service food and nutrition website at www.uwyo.edu/cesnutrition.

Wyoming Food Safety Coalition training members are from Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service; Wyoming Department of Agriculture; and City/County Health Departments.

The University of Wyoming and United States Department of Agriculture cooperating.
The University of Wyoming is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

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