EDITOR: I agree with your
“A Costly Lesson” editorial in the April 25 edition – there
should be no substitute for the health safety of foods prepared at
all events. I take issue, however, on the balance of coverage.
Neither your earlier article (”Inspector shuts down food sales” on
April 15) nor the editorial mention
ed the meticulous precautionary steps taken by hundreds of
volunteers at the Buddhist Community Center to ensure health safety
standards of all foods prepared for the annual Haru Matsuri.
EDITOR:
I agree with your “A Costly Lesson” editorial in the April 25 edition – there should be no substitute for the health safety of foods prepared at all events. I take issue, however, on the balance of coverage. Neither your earlier article (”Inspector shuts down food sales” on April 15) nor the editorial mentioned the meticulous precautionary steps taken by hundreds of volunteers at the Buddhist Community Center to ensure health safety standards of all foods prepared for the annual Haru Matsuri.
Don’t get me wrong. I have no ax to grind by your articles because, while actively involved in Haru Matsuri, I was not part of food preparation. As a newcomer, I need more training before I qualify for that job. I also got my box lunch/sushi early – they were delicious as usual … and I am still very much alive. So I am not a disgruntled customer, who missed out on the “best in town” chicken and “better than Japan Town” sushi. I, therefore, remain neutral on this issue.
I am, however, very much concerned that inferences from your articles tended to paint a picture that food preparation for Haru Matsuri was a novice practice at best, void of requisite health considerations. Additionally, they seemed to dwell on our primary concern being the loss of revenue. The truth was far from it.
Furthermore, something needed to be said about these dedicated volunteers (many of whom have been serving the community for decades) and what they did to ensure meeting all health requirements each step of the way. I only wished that the county inspector showed up earlier to witness the entire process. She would have then seen how the chickens were soaked in brine, thoroughly washed and cleaned, and carefully placed on the grill so as not to allow contamination in the process. She would have seen how the chickens were preserved in the refrigerator over night. She also would have seen part of a delicate sushi making process.
In each case, health safety consideration was evidently paramount. I know because I was there to witness these volunteers in action.
Having expressed my thoughts, let me bring the issue into proper focus. Health safety is critically important and there should be no second -guessing on that.
Accordingly, I’m happy to inform the community that the management of the Buddhist Community Center has already formulated a proactive game plan that includes health officials’ early assistance next year. Preservation and continuation of this traditional cultural event is in the best interest of all of us in Morgan Hill.
With the loyal corps of volunteers, I’m confident that the next Haru Matsuri will rebound from this year’s “problem” and will continue to serve the community as it has for over 40 years. I only hope for better weather next year.
Brian Shiroyama,
Morgan Hill
