On Monday, Northern Nevada Public Health held a food safety inspection bootcamp.
They dubbed the event "House of Horrors" because of Halloween, but also so they could have the chance to show off some scary inspection photos.
The goal of the bootcamp was to empower those running food establishments to ask questions and feel comfortable during their inspections, while also educating and empowering their staff about the inspection process.
They also teach people how to conduct inspections, so they feel prepared for their next regulatory inspection.
Olivia Alexander-Leeder, the Senior Registered Environmental Health Specialist for the Food Safety Program for the Northern Nevada Public Health's Environmental Health Services Division, says, "I hope that people gained an understanding of the inspection process. I hope that they feel more comfortable and confident the next time they have their routine health inspector come out to their establishment. And I hope that they took away from it an understanding of the types of questions we ask during inspections so that they feel prepared and empowered themselves."
She explained that they inspect establishments once or twice a year, depending on the need.
The event also teaches owners how to maintain a clean and safe environment to prepare food.
Jay Rathmann, the owner and executive chef of BJ's BBQ, says the classes, to him, are fantastic.
"Giving us the opportunity to do it on our own, find things that might be shortfalls, things that are strengths, and being able to educate our staff," he said.
He says the most important thing he learned during the bootcamp was the self-inspection process and learning how things need to be taken care of when the Health Department is not around to help.
Northern Nevada Public Health also has free online food resource guides you can find by clicking the link here.
