[Nfb-krafters-korner] FW: New HHS regulations on food in workplace (please read)

[Powers, Terry (NIH/NCI) [E]]

Look at what one of my supervisors sent the branch!

Terry P.


From: Klein, William (NIH/NCI) [E]
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2015 8:00 AM
To: NCI DCCPS BRP GRP
Subject: New HHS regulations on food in workplace (please read)

Hi all,

Yesterday at a Senior Staff meeting I learned of a new set of regulations soon to be adopted by the Department that will affect all of us.  Apparently, a disgruntled HHS employee complained some time ago that there was a "double standard" in HHS buildings because there were clear restrictions on tobacco use but no restrictions on food consumption, despite the current administration's high priority on reducing obesity.  In response to this complaint, HHS has developed a set of regulations, set to go into effect on May 1, on what foods can be eaten in HHS buildings.  The main regulation will concern consumption of sweets (e.g., muffins, donuts, cookies, cake, etc.), which will no longer be permitted.  Moreover, all employees will be expected to store lunches in common spaces (fortunately we have a lot of kitchen space for that) and not to store or consume any food in their offices.  The formal regulations will come out in a week or so.

There are obviously some implications for us.  Parties (e.g., birthday, going-away) can no longer include any sweets.  All staff are required to eat lunch outside of their offices (e.g., cafeteria, outside, lunch rooms).  I guess my days of buying Girl Scout cookies for the program are over.  I've also spoken with Sarah Kobrin about the fact that we can no longer hold the December cookie swap.

You might be wondering how these regulations can be enforced - that's the most interesting part.  They are adopting a "community enforcement" model whereby we are all responsible for enforcing the regulations with our colleagues.  In the event that we fail to call out someone who violates these regulations, we will ourselves be subject to warnings and disciplinary actions (as will they).  Staff members in leadership positions (e.g., Branch Chiefs) are expected to assume proportionally more responsibility in enforcing the rules, and can be held accountable if their staff are found to be in violation.  I ask that we reduce the burden on our leadership team by not putting them in the awkward position of having to police food choices.

The cafeteria management as well as the eateries across the street have been notified of this change and plan to adjust their menus accordingly.  They will be permitted to sell sweets (despite being in an HHS building), but are aware that employees will be less interested in purchasing them.

I know you will all work with me to minimize the impact of these new rules.  We have adapted to new travel rules, so I know we can handle this.

Thanks and enjoy your day-
Bill






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William Klein, PhD
Associate Director
Behavioral Research Program
Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences
National Cancer Institute, NIH, DHHS
9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 3E140, MSC 9761
Bethesda, MD 20892-9761
FedEx/UPS: Rockville, MD 20850
Ph: 240-276-6972
Fax: 240-276-7907
E-mail: kleinwm at mail.nih.gov<mailto:kleinwm at mail.nih.gov>
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P.S. Happy April Fool's Day!