1. Food handler latex glove use prohibition in Arizona Don Herrington, Manager Food Safety & Environmental Services Arizona Department of Health Services

2. Food Safety and Environmental Services In The Beginning… In the beginning, Arizona had the 1976 Food Code, and it was found lacking.

3. Food Safety and Environmental Services The Answer Arizona decided to update to the 1999 Food Code, with some exceptions.

4. Food Safety and Environmental Services The Method Arizona formed a task force of regulatory, industry, academia and citizens to bring a collaborative, consensus approach to the Food Code adoption process.

5. Food Safety and Environmental Services Process The comment period includes an Oral Proceeding in which interested parties can comment on proposed rule packages.

6. Food Safety and Environmental Services Perfect Timing During the comment period of the Food Code rule, a citizen approached Senator John McCain’s office, of Arizona, about latex allergies and possible legislation. Senator McCain’s office referred the citizen to the public health agency for Arizona, the Arizona Department of Health Services.

7. Food Safety and Environmental Services The System Works The comments and subsequent research led ADHS to convene stakeholders to gain consensus again. Consensus was achieved resulting in the addition of the latex glove prohibition to the Food Code rule package.

8. Food Safety and Environmental Services 2 nd Rule Package Process Following the comments received the Arizona Department of Health Services modified the rule package to include the latex provision.

9. Food Safety and Environmental Services 2 nd Oral Proceeding A number of people commented at the Oral Proceeding in favor of a ban on latex gloves in food establishments. Written comments were also received in support of the prohibition.

10. Food Safety and Environmental Services Reasons For the Prohibition Comments of anecdotal nature describing personal experiences involving food preparation and latex allergic reactions. New England Journal of Medicine Editorial correspondence. Journal of Environmental Health article American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology Proceedings from annual conference.

11. Food Safety and Environmental Services Responsibility In rule making our first priority and responsibility is to be responsive to our citizens. Act in behalf of public health Be diligent in examining all evidence Present costs and benefits to stakeholders

12. Food Safety and Environmental Services Contact Information (current information) : Don Herrington, R.S., Manager Food Safety and Environmental Services Arizona Department of Health Services 3815 N. Black Canyon Highway Phoenix, AZ 85015 602-230-5909 dherrin@hs.state.az.us

13. Food Safety and Environmental Services After September 5 th, 2004 150 N. 18 th Avenue, Suite 430 Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-364-3131 dherrin@hs.state.az.us