Prince Edward Island’s environmental health officers are being recognized this week for their valuable work in promoting the public health and safety of Islanders, says Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie.
“These individuals, also known as public health inspectors, work across our province and play an extremely important role in supporting the Chief Public Health Office and are committed to the public health and safety of Islanders,” said the minister. “They ensure the well-being of Islanders through education, consultation and routine inspections of public and private services and facilities. I would like to recognize and thank them for their tremendous and valuable work.”
September 23 - 29 is designated as Environmental Public Health Week across the country, a national campaign headed by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).
Carl Nicholson, Prince Edward Island Restaurant Association President, said that food safety is a top priority for the food service industry.
“The strong working relationship between the industry and environmental health officers ensures that full food safety controls are in place to protect the health of consumers,” said Nicholson.
Environmental health officers are certified by the Board of Certification of CIPHI.
“The certification process guarantees that the highest standards for entry into the profession are met,” said Ryan Neale, an environmental health officer with the Department of Health and Wellness, and PEI Councillor for the local CIPHI Branch. “Public Health is a challenging and fast-paced field and officers recognize the need to keep pace with ever-changing demands and needs of the public.”