Wineries, Vineyards, Breweries, Cruise Ships, and Resorts Need a Chief Public Health Officer

Wineries, Vineyards, Breweries, Cruise Ships, and Resorts Need a Chief Public Health Officer

Kiana S. Zanganeh, Darrell Norman Burrell
Copyright: © 2023 |Pages: 21
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-6684-6942-2.ch015
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Abstract

Wineries in the United States must adhere to many regulations when selling wine, including those regarding food safety according to U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The U.S. federal government has deemed workers in the food and agricultural sectors an essential part of the country's national infrastructure. In the United States, 3.4 million people work in food production businesses. While most of the food production employees are White (51%), Hispanic workers (34%) comprise more than twice as many food manufacturing employees equated to their share of all workers (17%). These statistics stress the organizational and community value of having a prominent public health professional in organizations to create holistic corporate public health strategies that protect the employees and the communities they inhabit. With emergence of food poisoning outbreaks and the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for a Chief Public Health Officer in wineries, vineyards, and other food/beverage service businesses has never been more critical.
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Introduction

Cruise Ships

Cruise ships, wineries, and breweries have faced several public health issues, including the transmission of infectious diseases. Cruise ships' most common infectious diseases include Norovirus, influenza, and tuberculosis. Outbreaks of Norovirus, a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea, have been reported on several cruise ships worldwide (Centers for Disease Control, 2019). Cruise ships have also been linked to the spread of other infectious diseases, such as Legionnaires' disease and respiratory infections (Hales, 2018). The risk of transmission of infectious diseases on cruise ships is high due to the proximity of passengers and crew members, making it easier for the virus to spread. Additionally, confined spaces and shared facilities, such as swimming pools, dining areas, and restrooms, increase the risk of transmission.

Cruise ships have implemented several measures to mitigate these public health issues, including screening passengers for symptoms of infectious diseases, providing hand sanitizers and face masks, and regularly disinfecting surfaces and facilities (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).

Wineries

Wineries are another industry that faces public health issues. The most common health issues in wineries are respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and exposure to hazardous chemicals. Vineyard workers are often exposed to harmful chemicals, such as pesticides and fungicides, which can cause respiratory illnesses, skin irritations, and other health problems (Baur, 2010). Furthermore, workers in wineries are often required to perform manual labor, such as pruning and harvesting, which can cause musculoskeletal disorders, such as back pain and repetitive strain injuries. To mitigate these health issues, wineries have implemented several measures, including providing personal protective equipment, such as gloves and face masks, and training workers on safe handling practices for hazardous chemicals. Wineries also implement ergonomic programs that include using tools and equipment that reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, 2016).

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