Food handlers in the six-county Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department region are facing new requirements.

For some small food outlets, the change could be pretty expensive with fees of $75 per person for each shift, likely meaning a cost of a few hundred dollars for 24-7 coverage.

The new requirements are being moved forward to prevent food-borne illness, according to Tim Miller, with the MOVHD. They would take effect July 1.

Mike Jackson, health sanitarian, says there have been no reports of food-borne illness in his region of the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department during the past six years.

Food managers, those in charge of operations, would have to complete an advanced two-day course approved by the Conference of Food Protection.

There would still be one-day handlers course requirements for all food handlers.

The guidelines would apply to festivals, although there appears to be some exceptions to non-profit groups.

A public forum to allow feedback on the changes will be held in Spencer at the Heritage Park Community Center this Wednesday at 1 p.m.