CONCORD, N.H. -- State health and safety officials held a seminar Tuesday to educate restaurant owners and operators around the state about food safety.
The videoconference followed a hepatitis A scare at a Derry Taco Bell and was designed to prevent any future incidents.
Officials said they want to make sure restaurant managers and owners are informed about infectious diseases and will educate employees about proper safety measures when it comes to handling and preparing food.
Holding the conference by video meant people didn't have to leave their communities to take advantage of the information.
"We've always had hand washing and gloves -- we have all those things -- but they're going to be used on a lot more regular basis," Concord restaurant owner Bill Ray said.
While much of the information may be common knowledge, health officials said they want to make sure those in the food service industry are armed with safety information about food hygiene in an effort to prevent the spread of bacteria and infectious disease.
"We're also trying to attack the issue of ill food service workers and how food service managers can make choices and help screen workers," state epidemiologist Jesse Greenblatt said.
The information was aimed at restaurant workers, but officials said the message should benefit everyone. They said 76 percent of all meals are still being prepared at home, and that's where safety with food should start.
"Everything we do in food service establishments should be replicated at home to prevent food-borne illnesses from transmitting at home," said Steven Grover, of the National Restaurant Association.
Officials said they believe the Derry hepatitis A case was isolated, and no customers have tested positive for the illness.
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Conference Held After Hepatitis Case
