“Church Lady Bill” changes food safety requirements for churches

On August 1, 2011, the Minnesota State Legislature instituted a new requirement (MN Statute 157.22) for faith-based organizations related to food safety. The change in the statute makes faith-based groups (congregations) exempt from routine state health inspections where food is served. However, to meet the requirements of the exemption, a volunteer from the congregation must have been trained in a food safety course. The trained volunteer(s) is then expected to train and help other volunteers follow food safety guidelines when food is prepared and/or served at an event. The Minnesota Department of Health has information available to help your congregation better understand the new requirements and identify training options. Go to  www.health.state.mn.us. 

The following resource page provides multiple links to assist in your efforts:  www.health.state.mn.us/foodsafety/index.html.

The Guidance Document, produced by the state health department, is particularly helpful: www.health.state.mn.us/foodsafety/away/groupsfaithex.pdf.

There are self-guided food safety trainings available online through the the University of Minnesota Extension and the Minnesota Department of Health will cover the causes of foodborne illness, personal hygiene and hand-washing, and storing and preparing foods safely, among other relatedtopics. To register, go to www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/food/fmc_training/index.cfm.