Budget cuts take a bite out of Alaska’s food safety division

Alaska’s food safety and sanitation inspection program could take another budget hit this year that many say could lead to more illnesses for Alaskans.

The latest round of budget cuts could leave residents vulnerable to dirty restaurant kitchens, foodborne illnesses and scummy pools as the 13 inspectors tasked with overseeing thousands of facilities statewide fall behind.

Among the programs on the chopping block are the state’s public pool and spa inspections.

Food Safety and Sanitation program manager Kim Stryker says further cuts will mean losing more staff just as the division takes on more responsibility with the incoming marijuana industry. The division will oversee edibles and concentrate producers.

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