Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Date:                           6-19-09                       

Release Date:             For immediate release            End Date: 6-22-09

Contact Person:          Dorothy Gonzales, R.S.

                                    Environmental Health Supervisor

                                    Genesee County Health Department

Phone:                         (810) 257-3190

Re:      Food Service Establishments in Flint are Directed to

          Boil Water Before Use

A drop in pressure in the City of Flint water supply system has occurred due to work on the main line on June 18^th and 19^th.  Bacterial contamination may have occurred in the water system.  Residents and businesses, including food establishments, in the City of Flint may be affected.

As a precaution to prevent potential bacterial contamination, a boil water notice has been issued.  DO NOT DRINK OR SERVE TAP WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST.  This means food establishments should bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water.  Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, coffee, tea or other beverages, and preparing food until the City of Flint lifts the advisory.   

Food establishment operators should:

§         discontinue use of pop, other beverage, and ice machines directly supplied by the affected water system.

§         discard existing ice, discontinue making ice, and use commercially manufactured, bagged ice. 

§          prepare ready-to-eat food using boiled or bottled water.

Food establishment hand washing may continue with tap water followed by a hand sanitizer.  Automatic dishwashing machines may continue to use the water supply.

For more information, please contact Dorothy Gonzales at 810-257-3190. 

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