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

Wed Apr 1 15:16:09 UTC 2015

Hahahahaha, good April fools joke?

Michelle

-----Original Message-----
From: Nfb-krafters-korner [mailto:nfb-krafters-korner-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Powers, Terry (NIH/NCI) [E] via Nfb-krafters-korner
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2015 7:02 AM
To: Hill, Debby (NIH/NIAAA) [E]; Debbie Brown; hosbornejr at gmail.com;
mproschan at dors.state.md.us
Cc: List for blind crafters and artists (nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org)
Subject: [Nfb-krafters-korner] FW: New HHS regulations on food in workplace
(please read)

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

****************************************************************************
********************************
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>
****************************************************************************
********************************

P.S. Happy April Fool's Day!

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