EDMONTON – A little cooking oil and a dash of cinnamon were ingredients in the launch of the federal government’s new food recall program.
Federal agriculture minister Lyle Vanclief rolled up his sleeves to show a group of Grade 4 students from Westglen School in Edmonton the importance of hand washing to staying healthy.
Vanclief and two students rubbed oil and cinnamon on their hands to simulate germs.
To a chorus of Happy Birthday, sung within the time it takes to wash hands properly, the trio washed their hands in hot, warm and cold water.
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Only the minister’s hands came clean because he was given soap.
Vanclief told the students the exercise was a simple way to emphasize the importance of hand washing as part of food safety.
“It’s to remind ourself, let’s wash our hands before we prepare our food,” said Vanclief as he launched the Allergy Alerts and Food Recalls program to enhance consumer awareness about food safety, food recalls and allergies.
Alberta agriculture minister Shirley McClellan said the program is starting in schools to help reach students who may have allergies and to help students teach their families about food safety, food recalls and allergy alerts.
“If they know it, then adults will know it,” she said during the launch.
