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Policy Statement
The University of Minnesota (the University) is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for its students, faculty, staff and visitors through effective environmental health protection. University Health, Safety, and Risk Management (HSRM) is the owner of this policy. HSRM works in partnership with various departments within the University system and with the Environmental Hygiene Officer (EHO) as necessary to achieve its objectives. The EHO is responsible for environmental health preventative activities in the areas of food safety, water, housing and pest sanitation.
All University faculty, staff, students and visitors are affected by this policy; particularly, individuals who eat in on campus dining facilities, live in University housing, use University swimming or therapeutic pools, and/or drink water supplied by University fixtures. In addition, all staff who work in University dining or housing facilities, and staff charged with maintenance of those facilities are impacted.
Food Safety
Complaints about foodborne illnesses should be directed to the Building Codes Department (BCD) at 612-625-3318/612-625-6152 or to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Foodborne Illness Hotline at 877-FOOD-ILL (877-366-3455). Individuals responsible for food service and dining facility operations must enforce the federal and state standards for food safety. Licensing, permitting, and inspecting food brought to, or prepared on all University campuses is the responsibility of the EHO. The University will enforce the Minnesota Food Code (MN Rules Chapter 4626) as its official food code (See Administrative Procedure: Food Safety).
Water Sanitation
Drinking Water Quality
Individuals responsible for maintenance, operation, installation or construction of any drinking water system on University property, must comply with all applicable state or federal codes and standards regarding the maintenance, operation, installation or construction of the drinking water system (including wells, MN Statutes 103I), to ensure that water intended for human consumption meets U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) water quality standards as specified in the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (See Administrative Procedure: Water Sanitation).
Swimming Pool Water Quality
Individuals responsible for sanitation and basic safety requirements of University swimming pools must comply with the Minnesota Pool Code (Minnesota Rules, Parts 4717.0150 to 4717.3975), Minnesota Statutes (144.1222 Public Pools "Abigail Taylor Pool Safety Act") and Federal Legislation ( H.R.6—303 to 309, Title XIV—Pool and Spa Safety). (See Administrative Procedure: Water Sanitation).
Housing Sanitation
All University housing, including residence halls and apartments, must be maintained in a manner that prevents the transmission of disease and/or other conditions that constitute an environmental health hazard or nuisance in accordance with the sanitation requirements of Minnesota Rules 4625, 4625.0400 to 4625.2000 and 4625.0100 - MN Rules Definitions (See Administrative Procedure: Housing Sanitation).
Pest Sanitation
Units may request environmental health consultation services regarding pest control and environmental health hazard activities on campus grounds and property as needed. (See Administrative Procedure: Pest Sanitation).
Reason for Policy
To implement the commitments set forth in Board of Regents Policy: Health and Safety. The protection of the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors is a primary responsibility of the Regents of the University of Minnesota.
The policy delineates the University's expectations for protecting and ensuring environmental and public health. The University must comply with regulations set forth by the Minnesota Department of Health as well as all related federal regulations. This policy sets forth the responsibilities held by students, staff and faculty regarding Food, Water and Sanitation on all campuses.