TORONTO – An association that represents restaurants across Canada says national fast food chains like McDonald’s aren’t in the wrong for banning employees from wearing poppies.
The president of the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association says the iconic flower could pose a safety concern because either the poppy itself or the pin that holds it in place could fall into the food and become a choking hazard.
Garth Whyte says his organization has guidelines that most national chains follow stating that all jewelry should be removed before working with food.
His comments come after employees at a McDonald’s in Lethbridge, Alta., were told that wearing poppies for Remembrance Day while working was banned even though there is no specific legislation in that province suggesting pins can’t be used while working in restaurants.
There has been a similar complaint from a grocery store in Ontario, although that province also lacks legislation stating food handlers can’t wear any kind of pin.
Whyte says both he and his members are big supporters of the poppy and what it represents, but notes there are many chances for employees to don the symbol when they are not handling food.
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Whyte says the rule is a preventative measure that is in no way meant to slight veterans An association that represents restaurants across Canada says national fast food chains like McDonald’s aren’t in the wrong for banning employees from wearing poppies.
The president of the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association says the iconic flower could pose a safety concern because either the poppy itself or the pin that holds it in place could fall into the food and become a choking hazard.
Garth Whyte says his organization has guidelines that most national chains follow stating that all jewelry should be removed before working with food.
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His comments come after employees at a McDonald’s in Lethbridge, Alta., were told that wearing poppies for Remembrance Day while working was banned even though there is no specific legislation in that province suggesting pins can’t be used while working in restaurants.
There has been a similar complaint from a grocery store in Ontario, although that province also lacks legislation stating food handlers can’t wear any kind of pin.
Whyte says both he and his members are big supporters of the poppy and what it represents, but notes there are many chances for employees to don the symbol when they are not handling food.
Whyte says the rule is a preventative measure that is in no way meant to slight veterans – something he believes most Canadians understand. – something he believes most Canadians understand.
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