Even nannies like to party.
The Department of Health is planning to get down next month to celebrate its “successes” during the Bloomberg years — a controversial span that has seen the introduction of an unprecedented number of bans and restrictions.
“SAVE THE DATE: The Twelve Years of Bloomberg: A Holiday Special,” proclaims a merry e-mail dispatched last Monday to DOH workers by Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley.
“We have had many great public-health successes in the last 12 years. Please join me to celebrate them on Wednesday, Dec. 18, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.,” reads the missive obtained by The Post.
The bash will be held at the Hermann Biggs Auditorium on the third floor at the agency’s glimmering Long Island City headquarters.
“See you then!” Farley signed off.
Agency staffers will certainly have plenty to reminisce about during the festivities. During Bloomberg’s three terms, the agency has launched campaigns against salt, indoor and outdoor smoking, soda, flab, trans fats and baby formula.
Rigid food guidelines at agency parties eliminate deep-fried grub, and mandate that drinks be less than 25 calories per 8 ounces. Cake is allowed, but not with cookies, which are forbidden when there’s cake.
“I am not sure what the menu would be — but don’t count on it to be too elaborate,” grumbled one DOH employee. “Not sure I plan on attending.”
Nanny-state critics were galled by the gala.
“It seems like the definition of insanity to have a celebration that’s wasting taxpayer dollars,” growled Lori Roman, the president of the Salt Institute, who blasted the city’s campaign to limit salt, which she said runs contrary to recent evidence that shows that limiting sodium can be harmful.
Audrey Silk, founder of the Brooklyn-based Citizens Lobbying Against Smoker Harassment, sneered, “To hell with that! They live in their own alternate universe where they pat themselves on the back for things only they believe. It’s like a cult.”