officers are reporting.

Mr. Patrick Mayers, the chief environmental health officer, last night urged restaurateurs not to cut corners to avoid re-licencing difficulties.

"Our Health officers have seen the need for some owners to upgrade standards at their establishments, which is an important factor in maintaining the safety of food service to the public,'' he said.

"This relaxing of standards may be due to current financial restraints. If that is correct, we are urging owners not to cut corners and thereby avoid difficulties.'' Mr. Mayers said the Environmental Health Office was offering free food, hygiene and sanitation workshops which includes information on principles of food safety, personal hygiene, the cleaning and sanitising of food equipment and premises.

"The workshops are offered as a free servce to all food establishments,'' Mr.

Mayers said. "During the year, all food handlers are expected to attend a food hygiene and sanitation workshop.''