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Issue: 1071 Date: 3/3/2011
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St. Louis Asian Community Establishes Task Force With Dept. of Health
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| ARTF & DOH first meeting, (from left) Jimmy Chu, Dr. James Wang, Joyce Theard, Dr. Dolores Gunn, Andrew Shih, Joanne Gladney and Julie Leicht |
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There are more than 800 Asian restaurants of varying size in the St. Louis area, ranging from small carryout shops to high-end sit down venues. They are all closely monitored and ruled by health inspectors from the St. Louis County Department of Health (DOH).
The Asian Restaurant Task Force (ARTF) was established to build a communication bridge between the County government and Asian restaurants to enhance regional economic development. It serves to remove language barriers and help restaurant owners understand inspections and rules, and is comprised of volunteers and community leaders organized by the St. Louis Chinese American News.
On February 18th, the first meeting between the ARTF and DOH was held at the Mandarin House Chinese Restaurant. Dr. Dolores Gunn, Director of DOH, Joyce Theard, Environmental Administrator of DOH, Julie Leicht, Executive assistant to county executive, and Joanne Gladney, Director, Community Outreach Program joined the meeting with ARTF members Jimmy Chu, owner of St Louis Bubble Tea, Dr. James Wang, attorney and president of Creve Coeur City Council, Andrew Shih, manager of Hot Wok Cafe Chinese restaurant and Francis Yueh, St Louis County commissioner.
Concerns about health inspections were brought up as possible topics for future meetings. ARTF will hold quarterly meetings with health inspectors to discuss food safety, regulations, standards, and opening/remodeling a food-related facility. For more information about ARTF and future meetings, please call 314-432-3858.
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| Dr. Dolores Gunn, Director of St. Louis County Department of Health (DOH) |
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