Health
Food Safety Tip from Department of Environmental Health
#TurksandCaicos, July 6, 2022 – The Environmental Health Department, as part of its ongoing food safety awareness campaign, is providing safety tips to help consumers get a better understanding of food labeling dates, which give a guide to how long food can be kept before it begins to deteriorate or may become unsafe to eat.
All packaged food should be clearly labeled with the appropriate durability indication. “Best by,” “use by,” “sell by” and “expires on” are just some of the terms found on food packaging. The department would like to inform consumers of what food date labels actually mean so that they can make safe choices and optimize the use and storage of their food.
“Best by,” “Best Before,” “Best if Used Before” or “Best if Used By”: These relate to food quality indicating when the product will have its best flavor or texture. Surpassing this date food may still be safe to consume but the quality would not be good. An example is bread, past the date it may be okay to eat but may be dry and leathery.
“Use Before” or “Use By” and “Expired on”: These dates relate to safety. These are manufacture recommended dates
that tell consumers when the product should no longer be consumed. Food can be eaten or frozen then storedbefore or on these dates but not after. These dates are usually found on perishable food such as meats, dairy and ready-to-eat meals which can be very unsafe to consume when passed its date.
“Freeze-By”: This is the date you should freeze a product for it to maintain its top quality and should not be thawed unless it is to be used. Thawing then refreezing a product changes its integrity and compromises its safety.
“Sell-By”: This label is directed toward the retailer to ensure proper turnover of inventory. This is the last date that the product should be displayed in the store. The most important labels to understand and look for are the “best before” and “use by dates”.
Public Advice
- Always check the dates on your food items before purchase and consumption
- Do not purchase or consume food with signs of spoilage, for instance, foul odour or discolouration.
- Always store food based on manufacturer’s directions and do not purchase or consume poorly stored food goods.
- Always inspect food packaging for damage or possible contamination before purchase and consumption.
The Environmental Health Department (EHD) is dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of our country. The department is urging consumers to report any suspicious or outdated labelled food products that may be seen on display or if they have any general inquiries regarding food safety, to please contact the EHD at 338-2142.
Health
Successful Community Kidney Screening Events Hosted by InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital and Ministry of Health and Human Services in Grand Turk and Salt Cay
(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, April 19th, 2024): – InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Human Services, is delighted to announce the successful completion of the Community Kidney Screening Events held in Grand Turk and Salt Cay. These events marked a significant milestone in promoting kidney health awareness and early detection.
On April 12, 2024, on Grand Turk (Dillon Hall) and April 13, 2024, on Salt Cay (Ministry of Health Clinic), participants had the opportunity to receive immediate screening results and personalized guidance from dedicated healthcare professionals. The collaborative effort between InterHealth Canada-Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital and the Ministry of Health and Human Services empowered individuals to prioritize their kidney health and take proactive steps towards well-being.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, CEO of InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, shared, “We are happy to see the positive impact of the Community Kidney Screening Events in Grand Turk and Salt Cay. By providing accessible screenings and expert guidance by our clinical teams, including our nephrologist and internist, we equip individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their kidney health.”
Similarly, Dr Camelia Clarke, Director of the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, expressed her satisfaction with the outcomes, stating, “These events have showcased the importance of early detection and preventive care in maintaining optimal kidney health.”
The support of sponsors, including the TCI Boating Club, Air and Sea Agency, The Olympic Group Limited, Flow and Digicel, played a crucial role in the success of the Community Kidney Screening Events.
InterHealth-Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital and the Ministry of Health and Human Services are excited to announce that a series of Kidney Community Screenings with dates for Providenciales, North and Middle Caicos, and South Caicos will be revealed soon, further extending the impact of this important initiative.
The Community Kidney Screening Events in Grand Turk and Salt Cay have set a solid foundation for ongoing efforts to prioritize kidney health and well-being within the community. Together, we are taking proactive steps towards building a healthier future for all.
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI, APRIL 30, 2024: Provo Water Company (PWC) has made significant progress in addressing recent water supply issues caused by increased water demand on Providenciales, and while ongoing projects aimed at long-term solutions are proceeding as planned, nightly water restrictions will continue through May.
This news comes as an update on the organization’s swift response to the rising water demand, which prompted the initial implementation of nightly restrictions to safeguard daily water reserves. The company is actively pursuing multiple projects, including upgrades to the city water transmission main, the main city water line valves, and the Middle Booster Pump Station,
alongside various other initiatives, to ensure long-term solutions to the supply issues.
Provo Water Company reaffirms its dedication to the residents of Turks and Caicos by continuing with a range of improvement projects aimed at innovative solutions for short and long-term distribution challenges. While diligently advancing these initiatives, the organization has determined that the nightly water restrictions remain necessary to ensure the replenishment of
daily reserves as it strives to keep these projects on track.
These restrictions will be implemented on an as-needed basis to effectively manage water consumption efficiently. If deemed necessary, the restrictions will be in effect from 11:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., optimizing conservation efforts during off-peak hours.
In response to the extension, Managing Director Robert Hall expressed apologies to customers and stakeholders in light of the extension. He reiterates his organization’s dedicated efforts to minimize the frequency of water restrictions and their eventual elimination in response to the extension.
In a statement, Hall said, “We will implement these measures only as required throughout the month of May to efficiently regulate water usage. We recognize the impact of these restrictions, and we want to assure you that we are doing our utmost to minimize inconvenience and ensure that your needs are our top priority.”
The transmission main project, which will enhance various aspects of the existing water supply network, ultimately improving water distribution across the island, is currently scheduled to be completed by mid-June 2024.
Hall concluded, “This project is pivotal in strengthening our water distribution infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring a reliable water supply for our community. By actively working towards its completion, we remain dedicated to serving our customers with the utmost excellence, reliability, and efficiency.”
Learn more about Provo Water Company’s water efficiency and conservation initiatives by visiting www.provowater.com. Follow on social media for tips and announcements: @ProvoWaterCompany on Facebook and @provowaterco on Instagram. For inquiries, please contact the customer service team at customerservice@provowater.com.
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