Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Can I prepare food in my home kitchen and sell it for extra money?

Not unless it is a totally separate area in your home that meets all the same requirements of a small café. Before doing anything, please call 816-271-4636 and speak with one of our food safety specialists.

2. Are all food service workers required to wear disposable gloves while handling food?

Yes, but this only applies to ready to eat foods.

3. Are artificial fingernails allowed by employees in a food service establishment?

No, under our food code this practice is not allowed, even if the person is wearing disposable gloves.

4. Does your department do any testing for mold?

No, there are no local companies that perform this testing at this time. However, check in the Kansas City area.

5. Are food service workers required to wear hair restraints?

Yes, it must be some type of physical restraint such as a ball cap, visor, or hair net, etc. and it must be worn to effectively restrain the hair.

6. What if my child tests positive for lead?

Should a child test positive for lead, there are things that can be done to limit their exposure to lead.

• Wash the child’s hands and face often, especially before snacks, meals and bedtime.


• Wash the child’s bed linens often to make sure they are clean.


• Wash toys when they become dusty or dirty.


• Place newspapers and magazines out of a child’s reach (there may be lead in the ink).


• Keep children away from painted surfaces, especially those that are peeling and chipping.


• Wipe down painted surfaces with a high phosphate detergent and wet-mop floors weekly.


• Seal off remodeling areas and keep children and pets away from this area.


• Prevent children from playing in dirt next to painted houses or buildings. Plant grass or shrubs in this area if possible.


• Remind family members to shower and change clothes before coming home if they work around lead-contaminated areas such as battery plants, automobile repair shops, craft shops where they are using stained glass, bait & tackle shops, etc. Wash their clothes separate from the rest of the family, especially the children’s clothes.


• Keep children from chewing or sucking on items unless you are certain they are non-toxic.

7. What roll does nutrition play in lowering a child’s blood lead level?

Caregivers can help a child resist the harmful effects of lead in the following ways:

• Make sure children eat a balanced diet with plenty of calcium, protein and iron.


• Avoid serving foods high in fat, junk food, soda pop and candy.


• Offer healthy snacks between meals since an empty stomach absorbs lead faster than one that is not empty.

8. Why is lead dangerous?

Lead is poisonous when swallowed or inhaled. In young children it can cause reduced intelligence and learning disabilities that last a lifetime.