Public Health Temporary Food Facility Requirements Published June 10, 2009 By Airman Maegan Mears 20th Aeromedical Squadron SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- All temporary food facilities, as well as food-booth establishments on base, including fund-raisers, must process through the 20th Medical Group's public health flight at least one week before the planned event for review, approval and training. Any group not from the 20th Force Support Squadron must contact the 20th FSS, the 20th Contracting Squadron and the numbered Air Force office in addition to public health for approval. The goal of this process is to protect Airmen and their families through food safety. Any event serving more than 18 patrons is considered a "food establishment" under the Food and Drug Administration's food Code. Because most base-wide fundraisers and organizational events fall into this category, they are subject to Federal regulations and Air Force Instruction 48-116. In accordance with the food code, bake-sale items such as cakes and cookies are not considered potentially-hazardous food items and are allowed to be sold to the public under the condition sellers display signs which read, "Food items were prepared in a kitchen that is not subject to regulation and inspection, consume at your own risk." Food vendors must ensure that what they offer comes from either an on-base or government-inspected facility (off base), and still contact the public health flight for approval. Fundraisers and organizational events are both beneficial and effective in assisting the success of many programs and special efforts; however we need to ensure that we are keeping health risks in mind and complying with standards. AFI-116, Food Safety Program, also applies. For any additional questions or information, or for event approval, please contact the public health flight at 895-6193. Thank You!