In response to flooding, the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) is ordering all food facilities that meet any of the following criteria be closed until approved for reopening by the HEALTH:
--Drinking water well serving the food establishment was flooded
--Any part of the food establishment was flooded
--Sewage backed up into the facility
--Sewage from the food facility is flooding into someone’s basement or in the vicinity of the food establishment
--Customers or staff need to walk through sewage contaminated water to get into the facility
--Plumbing does not drain and toilets are not usable by staff
--There is no power
Should any of these conditions exist, the food establishment must close and obtain permission from HEALTH prior to reopening.
In addition to the above, there is high potential for illness due to Norovirus and other disease- causing organisms from exposure to contaminated flood waters. Individuals who are ill with vomiting or diarrhea should not work in food establishments, healthcare or child care for a minimum of 48 after symptoms stop.
Any questions concerning these matters should be directed to the Office of Food Protection at 222-2749. Food establishment wells that were flooded should be reported to the Office of Drinking Water Quality at 222-6867. Guidelines for cleanup after flooding can be obtained on the HEALTH website at www.health.ri.gov.