Experts say an outbreak of E. coli that's sickened hundreds has shone a much-needed spotlight on food safety at day cares. The Alberta Children's Hospital is seeing a large influx of patients following an E. coli outbreak linked to multiple Calgary daycares surpassing 200 cases, in Calgary, Alta., Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
The recent E. coli outbreak affecting hundreds in Calgary has brought attention to the crucial issue of food safety in daycares, prompting discussions about potential regulations for shared kitchens. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has pledged to review all shared kitchens serving child-care centers and consider implementing changes and regulations if necessary.
With 337 lab-confirmed cases linked to a shared kitchen, Fueling Minds Inc., serving local daycares, the outbreak has raised concerns about the existing regulations around food handling in daycare facilities. Different provinces in Canada have varying rules regarding food provision at daycares, with some requiring centers to supply food, while others only mandate serving food, which may be provided by parents.
Martha Friendly, Executive Director of the non-profit Childcare Resource and Research Unit, emphasized the need for robust regulations, particularly in provinces where there's no requirement for child-care centers to supply food, such as Alberta. While large kitchens must adhere to public health rules, the absence of a food supply mandate can lead to gaps in safety protocols, especially for for-profit companies.
David Farnell, CEO of daycare caterer Real Food for Real Kids (RFRK), highlighted the importance of stringent safety measures in food preparation for children. His company follows numerous procedures exceeding regulatory requirements to ensure the safety of meals and snacks. Farnell stressed the reputational and ethical considerations, emphasizing the potential harm to children and the corresponding business impact.
Farnell also advocated for additional safety measures, such as using ATP swabs to test for organic matter after cleaning surfaces and implementing various sanitizers. While these practices aren't mandatory, he believes they contribute to overall safety.
Parents, according to Farnell, should inquire about food safety practices, sanitation, and the use of additional measures when selecting daycare providers. Cathy Wang, a parent with a child set to attend Fueling Brains Academy, expressed concerns about the outbreak and emphasized the importance of receiving satisfactory responses regarding food safety procedures before sending her child to daycare.
As the affected daycares undergo extensive cleaning and sterilization before reopening, and with a commitment to source food from parents or external providers, parents like Wang are closely monitoring the situation. However, the urgency to secure daycare spots and the lengthy waitlists for alternatives add complexity to the decision-making process.
The outbreak has underscored the need for a thorough examination of food safety practices in daycare facilities, prompting discussions on potential regulatory changes to enhance child safety.
