Potluck problems faced by American churches

United States

Churches across the United States are facing increasing legal problems when it comes to holding potlucks.

"Indiana inadvertently banned potlucks this year when a 2001 law took effect requiring nonprofit groups to hire certified food handlers," writes Rebecca Barnes.

Similar health regulation issues are being faced in Alabama, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. The latter's Food Policy Council claims that "annual and one-time events, like potlucks can be particularly susceptible to becoming sources of an outbreak [of food poisoning]."

However, Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich came to the rescue in that state, saying potlucks "are a long-standing tradition that do not warrant government intrusion."

The American Centers for Disease Control (CDC) would appear to back that up. According to Barnes's article, in 2000 alone, 76 million Americans were affected by food-borne illnesses. However, in the five-year period between 1990-95, the CDC linked less than 3,000 cases to churches.

Many churches are unaware of the food preparation and handling regulations in their jurisdiction, or even if they exist. However, that won't stop a food inspector who might want to look at a church's "bread" before they break it.

-From an April 2005 Christianity Today article