Cook the chicken, cover the cookies, and cool the cucumbers.

That’s just some of the advice Darlene Ward of FAU’s Environmental Health and Safety Department presented during the Nov. 7 Boca Raton Student Senate meeting.

Ward discussed several aspects of food safety and measures to prevent food borne illness on campus. Ward mentioned approved sources from which food supplies may be acquired for on-campus barbecues, parties, and promotional food giveaways. Grocery stores, restaurants, bakeries, and pizzerias are appropriate places to obtain food for such events.

She explained that, “Under no circumstances should food be brought from home to distribute on the campus during club events or otherwise.”

However, private groups, who will not be selling or giving food to the public – may bring food from home.

In addition to disinfecting surfaces, washing hands, and keeping foods at the proper temperature, Ward specified that all food events must obtain approval from the Environmental Health and Safety Department.

“Food safety is a very serious matter and it’s important that FAU follows the safety procedures,” says Ward. “It would be a shame to have to shut down a club fundraiser because it wasn’t following food safety guidelines.”

Applications can be obtained at www.fau.edu/divdept/envhs/Gen_safety.htm or www.fau.edu/divdept/envhs/Application%20Form.pdf.