With the Easter holiday just around the corner and many getting ready to participate in the Caymanian long-stand tradition of camping, the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) reminds the public of the following food safety and garbage disposal tips when camping:
1. Food safety first
The DEH urges campers to take the necessary precautions to prevent food-borne illnesses.
- Clean. Wash hands thoroughly with liquid soap, after using the bathroom, before and after handling raw foods. An antibacterial liquid can be used in other instances where hand cleaning is needed and hands are not visibly dirty. Wash utensils, plates, and trays after each use.
- Store all clean utensils and food items in containers that are tightly covered, or in cupboards.
- Separate. Pack raw meat, poultry, and seafood in separate coolers from food that is already cooked or ready-to-eat such as dairy items, fruits, pastry, and beverages to avoid cross-contamination during storage.
- Cook. By cooking your food to a safe internal temperature you can destroy harmful bacteria. Precook and chill meat at home when possible and reheat on site to 74°C or 165°F. Always pack a food thermometer. Serve hot foods hot.
- Chill. Refrigerate or freeze food, if possible, the day before you pack it. Carry extra ice or ice packs to maintain cold temperatures in refrigerated foods. Serve cold foods cold.
Plan ahead to avoid leftovers and organize your meals having in mind the portion sizes. You can also reduce your ingredients and packing list by planning your menus with common ingredients.
2. Keep it clean!
During this Easter, the DEH is partnering with the Recreation, Parks and Cemetery section of the Public Works Department (PWD) responsible for parks and cemetery clean-ups, in an effort to contribute to the creation of a greener and litter-free environment. Containers for the disposal of litter will be available at popular camping sites. All persons should use these for disposal of any litter or garbage or in the absence of these; persons should bag and take their waste materials home and dispose of there.
However, keeping the environment clean is everyone’s responsibility. Here are some tips for campers to properly dispose of their waste while protecting the environment:
- Dispose of all trash (diapers included) properly in the proper bins if available. If bins are not available at the campground, all trash should be removed and disposed of at home.
- Return the campsite to its original condition for the next camper if you disturb it in any way.
- Don’t forget your good recycling habits on vacation. They are just as important during camping as they are at home.
Be reminded that improper garbage disposal and littering are liable to penalties under the Litter Act and the Public Health Act, including a fine of up to $500. Campers should, therefore, avoid such practices. All waste and garbage should be properly disposed of.
Human waste can pollute the waterbodies and provides food for disease-transmitting insects/vermin such as flies and rats. Therefore every effort must be made to dispose of all such waste in a sanitary manner. Campers should rent a portable toilet or camp at locations with bathroom facilities. Improper disposal of human waste is also an offense under the Public Health Act 2021 (Revision), part III, punishable by fines (up to $1000) and six months imprisonment.
The DEH wishes the community a safe Easter weekend and thanks the public for their ongoing collaboration in protecting the environment.
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