Some Practical Effects of a Clean Food Campaign

The paper is a factual statement of the practical achievements of a planned clean food campaign. Education by active participation by personnel on a competitive basis at school-feeding centres, detailed publicity of such action at education and health committee levels, the taking of the opportunity to give informal talks at catering premises generally and, at the same time, to demon strate by graphite powder-dusting tests on crockery any deficiencies in the cleansing facilities or technique. A rough classification is made of food handlers and caterers according to their financial and social background. The problem of the ignorant and incorrigible type of trader and of the small business man using adapted premises in a built-up area of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and the new industrial and commercial caterers and their specialized staffs who have succeeded in providing, either voluntarily or compulsorily, very satisfactory canteens, hostels and kitchens incorporating up-to-date equipment and technical aids is discussed. An opinion is expressed of the justifiable place in the clean food campaign of the new agents for cleansing and sterilization. Attention is drawn to the desirability of sanitary officers taking formal interest in public food markets, licensed premises, and cleaner meat production at abattoirs, and to giving special attention to milk bars and gala and similar social events. The co-operation of the food industry is noted to the extent of substantial financial expenditure and the absence of the questioning of the rights of a local authority or its officials to give effect to any recorded aspect of a clean food campaign.