County proclaims June as Food Safety Month 

To enhance public health and prevent foodborne illnesses, the Thurston County Board of Health has officially proclaimed June as Food Safety Month.  

This initiative underscores the critical role food safety plays in the communities’ well-being. 

“Everyone has a role in ensuring food safety because safe food preparation begins at home,” the proclamation read. 

Foodborne illnesses, caused by pathogens such as Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella, remain a significant public health concern.  

Globally, around 600 million people suffer from foodborne illnesses annually, leading to 420,000 preventable deaths, disproportionately affecting the poor and the young.  

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly 48 million people fall ill, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die each year from foodborne diseases.  

Washington State reported 45 foodborne illness outbreaks in 2022, sickening 343 residents. 

Jesse Smith, Environmental Health Program Manager for Food Environmental Services, emphasized the importance of risk-based inspections.  

“Our inspections are risk-based, focusing on the things that are actually going to make people sick, not as much spending time on whether the floors are dirty or those kinds of things,” Smith said. “We respond to complaints, illness issues, and really try to provide a lot of education as part of it.” 

Lesley Price, a public health dietitian, highlighted the essential practices for safe food handling, especially as grilling season approaches. "Wash your grill with soap and water before use and say no to raw dough," she advised. 

The proclamation also highlighted Thurston County's commitment to food safety through the efforts of over 1,000 permitted food establishments, working with local, state, and federal inspectors to maintain high food safety standards.  

The county encourages all residents to follow four basic steps for food safety: keep food and surfaces clean, separate raw meats from other foods, cook foods to the proper temperature, and refrigerate food promptly. 

The proclamation also serves as a call to action for local health departments to enhance food safety programs through effective regulations and community education.  

Key policy elements include enforcing food safety codes, licensing food establishments, routine inspections, fines for violations, and public disclosure of inspection results.