Temp Sanitary Permit Needed for Special Events: What Gamers and Food Vendors Should Know!

If you thought gaming events were just about the action on screen, think again! Here in Guam, anyone looking to serve food or drinks at special events needs to grab a temporary food service establishment (TFSE) sanitary permit. Yup, that means you’ll need to make sure your culinary skills are matched by your food safety game!

Environmental public health officer Remiliza Oriondo emphasizes the importance of this permit. “You can’t just roll up to a local anime convention or gaming tournament and start serving tacos,” she says. “Each vendor is required to have this temporary permit specific to the location and the date of the event.” The intent here is to keep things safe and sanitary, especially when vendors won’t have access to the usual kitchen facilities.

So what’s the bottom line for our food-serving warriors? If you’re planning to serve at an event, make sure to apply for your TFSE permit ahead of time! It’s not just a good idea—it’s mandatory. Fail to show it to Department of Environmental Health (DEH) officials, and you could be asked to stop operations right on the spot. And nobody wants to get shut down mid-serve, right?

Remember, even when the vibe is casual and fun, food safety is serious business. “During events, vendors won’t have the usual amenities like hot water or electricity, so it’s crucial to follow minimum safety standards,” Oriondo adds. Keeping the food safe ensures that everyone has a good time without any unnecessary surprises.

For more details or to apply, you can get in touch with DEH at (671) 646-1276 or (671) 300-9570/75. Feel free to shoot them an email at dphss-deh@dphss.guam.gov. Whether you’re gearing up for the next big gaming convention or planning a community cookout, stay informed and keep your food game strong!