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Health inspector available to answer questions about selling food at market

As the first Mountain Market rapidly approaches, interested vendors should note that a free public information session on newly relaxed health and safety guidelines has been scheduled for June 15 at 5 p.m. at the library.

As the first Mountain Market rapidly approaches, interested vendors should note that a free public information session on newly relaxed health and safety guidelines has been scheduled for June 15 at 5 p.m. at the library.

Local health inspector Juliana Gola will give a brief, plain language presentation on the 2011 Interior Health Market Food Sale Guidelines for vendors who intend to prepare food for sale at the farmers’ market.

“This year, it’s actually easier for people to sell low-risk food items legally at farmers’ markets,” explained Rachael Roussin of Rossland REAL Food, the organization that operates the market and will host this session. “REAL Food and the market committee hope that [the relaxed guidelines] will encourage people to come out and try vending. Selling at the market can be a great way to earn a little extra cash and try out something new during the hot summer months.

“Low-risk foods are defined as items not capable of supporting the growth of disease-causing organisms or the production of toxins. Low-risk foods may be prepared at home for sale at “temporary food markets” such as Rossland’s Mountain Market.

Before, these items needed a “stamp of approval,” but now they don’t.

Examples include fresh or dried fruits and vegetables, jam and jelly, apple sauce, brownies, bread and buns, popcorn, butter tarts and fruit-filled pies, cakes and cookies, dry cereals, chocolate, fudge, and candy.

Foods become “higher risk” and are subject to stricter rules when certain foods including dairy products like cream fillers and yoghurt are added into the mix. The meeting on June 15 will help people navigate the line between low and high risk, and Gola will answer any and all questions about safe and legal food preparation after her presentation.

“This is an excellent opportunity to come talk one-on-one with the inspector,” Roussin said.

Prospective merchants should also note that Rosslanders receive a cut rate for market space — $5 per week instead of $8 for a 4-by-4 foot table, and $10 instead of $15 for a tent. Merchants committed to the whole season of 14 weeks, from June 30 to Sept. 29, receive one week free by opting for the annual rate. Like last year, the market runs from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. every Thursday on Queen St. between RossVegas and the Credit Union.  Interested vendors should visit www.rosslandfood.com or contact Roussin at 362-5452.