Allegheny County Health Department Warns Local Churches and Fire Halls to Get A Permit For Lenten Fish Fries
HAYS, Pa. (KDKA) -- During Lent, nothing seems quite so popular as a fish fry at a church or fire hall.
"We sell, every fish fry, nearly a ton of fish," says David Depretis of Baldwin.
With the help of 130 volunteers, Depretis and his wife run the Holy Angels Church fish fry in Hays, one of the largest in the region.
Food safety and cleanliness are key.
"We have not had any problems. None whatsoever," Depretis told KDKA money editor Jon Delano on Monday.
Depretis and his wife have completed Allegheny County's food protection manager certification program, a must for any organization serving food to the public throughout the year.
And even volunteer-run non-profits need a food permit, now available from the health department for this Lent.
"Any food facility that is serving food to the public or holding food should have a permit from the health department," says Donna Scharding, food safety manager at the Allegheny County Health Department.
Delano: "And that includes fish fries at churches?"
Scharding: "Correct."
Scharding says inspectors will be out this Lent.
"We conduct an inspection to see if they meet the basic requirements."
And if a church or fire hall fails the safety test, they could be fined.
Depretis says he hopes every fish fry complies with the rules.
"Everybody should because food safety is a big concern."
Now Ash Wednesday is coming up on February 26th, and there are hundreds and hundreds of fish fries throughout the region.
Wherever you go, make sure they have a health permit, which is required to be posted for all to see.
The fee for a temporary permit is $47 and should be included with the application.
