Food service gets green light from city’s new inspection program
All of McMaster's nearly 50 food outlets have been given green 'pass' certificates. The colour-coded system is part of Hamilton's new food safety inspection program.
Hamilton’s new food safety inspection and disclosure program is a consumer-friendly measure that helps everyone better understand food safety, according to McMaster’s Hospitality Services.
The program – which uses colour-coded certificates indicating that a restaurant has passed (green), conditionally passed (yellow) or failed (red) inspection – was introduced at the beginning of 2014.
All of McMaster’s restaurants and food outlets – nearly 50 in total – have been given green cards.
“Food safety is something we all continuously work hard on,” said Bill McFadden, director of Hospitality Services. “We take a lot of pride in the quality of service that we provide.”
All of Hospitality Services’ unionized staff are trained in Food Safety. Managers – many of whom are also chefs – are trained in Advanced Food Safety, and one is a food safety trainer, recognized by the Canadian Restaurant Association.
During the academic year, Hospitality Services staff serve between 40,000 and 50,000 meals each day. They’re also responsible for feeding the approximately 3,700 students living in residence on campus.
During the summer, they prepare meals for those working and studying on campus as well as guests visiting the University for conferences and events.
“There’s a very strong culture of food safety within McMaster Hospitality Services,” said McFadden, who has spent 30 years in post-secondary hospitality. “Our team members have built their careers on the safe service of food, so it’s something we take very seriously.”
