David Kesvormas, the Starke County Contract Food Inspector, issued a report covering the first few weeks of his job. As of March 17th, Kesvormas had completed 26 inspections.
Infractions found included: Refrigeration doors not closing properly or not sealing due to defective seals, labeling and dating, cross contamination (meaning raw meat stored over items that are ready to eat), missing thermometers, inaccurate chemical sanitizer test equipment, and general cleaning and sanitizing.
New Starke County Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Alexander, came before the County Commissioners at their most recent meeting to ask for two changes. She asked for a change in fee structure and a change in implementing a fine.
On the fee structure, she asked for a reduction in the septic permit fee from $200 to $60 because the future Sanitarian will not be able to conduct a soil sample. That will need to be done by a Soil Specialist, arranged for by the contractor or applicant.
One-third of the food handling businesses in Starke County are operating on expired permits. That fact was presented to the Starke County Health Board Monday night by Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Alexander.
That fact was discovered when going over the list of businesses to be inspected by new contract Inspector, David Kesvormas. Kesvormas told the Board that when he inspects a business that is operating on expired permits, he is notifying them and urging them to purchase the proper permit without a fine.
