Post by Logan on May 9, 2016 8:41:57 GMT -6
JUNEAU, Alaska -- The latest round of budget cuts in Alaska could leave residents vulnerable to dirty restaurant kitchens, foodborne illnesses and scummy pools.
As lawmakers grapple with an estimated $4 billion budget deficit, the state agency tasked with ensuring the safety of Alaskans' food supply says a proposed $268,000 cut could lead to fewer inspections, less oversight and the elimination of some programs.
Fewer inspections would increase the possibility of an outbreak of foodborne illness.
"We're not going to be out in forces like we had been with restaurant inspections," said Jason Wiard, an environmental health officer who oversees southeast Alaska.
Last year, the Department of Environmental Conservation's food safety and sanitation program received a $624,000 funding cut.
Read more: www.adn.com/article/20160508/budget-cuts-take-bite-out-alaskas-food-safety-division
As lawmakers grapple with an estimated $4 billion budget deficit, the state agency tasked with ensuring the safety of Alaskans' food supply says a proposed $268,000 cut could lead to fewer inspections, less oversight and the elimination of some programs.
Fewer inspections would increase the possibility of an outbreak of foodborne illness.
"We're not going to be out in forces like we had been with restaurant inspections," said Jason Wiard, an environmental health officer who oversees southeast Alaska.
Last year, the Department of Environmental Conservation's food safety and sanitation program received a $624,000 funding cut.
Read more: www.adn.com/article/20160508/budget-cuts-take-bite-out-alaskas-food-safety-division