Environmental Health Officer Susan Sealey has identified cleaning and sanitation as one of the major concerns for the department. Photo: Facebook

World Food Safety Day, which is being celebrated globally on June 7 to raise awareness about the dangers of contaminated food. The observance is spearheaded by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Photo: Internet

The observance is spearheaded by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

During the Health Bytes programme on Thursday, June 4, 2026, Sealey remarked, “The biggest problem we encounter, I would say, on a daily basis, is cleaning and sanitation. Sanitation continues to be an issue in many food establishments.”

'Virgin Islanders should look out for where they're purchasing food from'

She encouraged Virgin Islanders to be vigilant about their food purchases. “I would encourage anyone, the public, when they're purchasing food, to really look out for where they're purchasing food from, what their practices are, and whether they’re seeing persons washing their hands. Do you see a clean environment? Do you see any pests at the establishment, and you make a choice, you make a decision.”

Inspections are done daily 

Sealey explained that the department conducts daily inspections of food establishments, with each environmental officer assigned to specific districts. However, she noted that the department faces challenges, as an officer may be responsible for as many as 100 establishments.

“Inspections are done daily, and if the establishment has infractions, they are given a period of 3 to 7 days, depending on the infraction. If the infraction requires more time, they just communicate with us, and we'll allow them to have more time, depending on what the infraction is. If it is a really critical area that has to be done within a few hours, then it has to be done right then and there,” Sealey added.

She emphasised; however, that not much time is given to rectify pest control issues.