CANTON – Following recent controversy regarding the legality of chili cook-off fundrasiers, the state Department of Health Canton office is planning public information meetings around St. Lawrence County to explain state sanitary requirements and procedures for getting a permit for an event where food will be served.

Sessions are set as follows:

• Ogdensburg, Tuesday, May 17, 2 p.m., City Hall

• Canton Tuesday, May 17, 7 p.m., SUNY Canton’s Miller Center Kingston Theater

• Massena, Wednesday, May 18, 2 p.m., Town Hall

• Star Lake, Friday, May 20, 2 p.m., Clifton-Fine Community Center.

Much controversy has been stirred in the last couple of years when the health department began challenging the safety of conditions at several longstanding events in the county, leading to confusion about what was required, and consternation at what some organizations saw as high-handed actions by inspectors.

The department says these sessions are intended to clarify permitting and other administrative procedures and provide general information about the state Sanitary Code.

For more information, contact the Health Department office at 58 Gouverneur St., Canton, or call 386-1040.