Conference moira::parenting_v3

627.0. "Food freshness at daycare" by HDLITE::FLEURY () Tue Jan 15 1991 08:49

    
    
    We just went through a rather interesting experience that I would like
    to share with folks here.  As lisensed family daycare providers, we are
    allowed to purchase institutional sized quantities of foods through a
    federally funded organization called Yours For Children.  These items
    are various frozen foods which meet the nutritional requirements set
    forth by the program. (This program re-imburses us for food
    expenditures per child per meal at a pre-defined rate.)
    
    On Friday, my wife served fishsticks with potatoes (a favorite with the
    kids).  At 2:30 PM my wife became ill.  Our first set of kids leaves at
    3:45.  At 5:30 or so, my daughter also became ill.  Time passes... 
    Both my wife and my daughter continued their performances until late in
    the night when my son started too.  After a few calls to the local
    doctor, I was able to get some medication for the kids at the local
    hospital. (Originally the doctor weanted to see the kids, but Friday
    was the snow storm and I didn't feel too good about dragging three sick
    people out in the weather.)
    
    All three seemed to recover on Saturday.  We got a call from the
    parents Saturday asking about the health of my wife.  At that time I
    found that the kids had also been ill on Friday.  I noticed a pattern. 
    It seemed that the people that ate the fish were ill.  (One of the kids
    was suffering from diahhrea and did not eat fish that day.)
    
    A call to the local health department has started an investigation into
    a possible problem with that particular shipment of fish.  What I wish
    to convey is some awareness about what should be recorded by providers.
    
    1) Record any and all Lot numbers of frozen/canned food.  This is
    needed to trace any other foods that might also be contaminated.
    
    2) Record the date of acquisition.
    
    3) If you suspect any problems with the food, save some in the freezer
    and contact your local board of health.  They will determine if further
    investigation is required.
    
    4) Don't be afraid to speak up.  If you notice unusual illness after
    picking up your child, record it and notify your provider.  If the
    provider sees a pattern, he/she may be able to prevent a re-occurance.
    
    I'll reply once I get more info.
    
    Dan

Fish is tricky stuff.  If it isn't kept cold enough, it can spoil very
quickly.  It's possible that the fish sticks were allowed to thaw somewhere
in the distribution channels.