PLEASE note that flood water is highly contaminated and may contain toxic chemicals, sewage, among other contaminants.
Consequently:
• Refrain from consuming food products that were exposed to flood waters
• Refrain from offering for sale or using Unlabeled Food products.
• Canned products exposed to flood waters should not be used or offered for sale.
• Animals drowned in flood waters (cold Slaughter) should not be dressed and offered for sale or consumption.
• Food equipment that was exposed to flood waters should be thoroughly washed, rinsed and sanitized before use in food production.
• Food establishments including kitchens, restaurant and food production areas should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before resuming production.
• Ensure that water used in food production and washing of equipment is potable.
• Avoid using food products that have been thawed out or refrozen as a result of equipment malfunction or power failure. (Products which contain large ice crystals are typically indicative of a thaw and refrozen product).
• Food products that were exposed to flood waters must be satisfactorily disposed of to prevent reentry into the market. Where condemnation certificates may be necessary, please note that the product must be inspected and disposed of under the supervision of the Environmental Health Division.
