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152
Suggested Action.
The Minister asks authorities to review the measures they have taken
to prevent food poisoning in schools, in particular :
(a) Co-operation between Medical, Teaching and Kitchen Staffs.
There should be close co-operation between the Principal
School Medical Officer, the Head Teachers, the Meals Organiser,
the staff of the kitchens and the borough or district Medical Officer
of Health. This does not exempt the borough or district Medical
Officer of Health from his statutory responsibility in regard to
hygiene in all food premises in his area, including school canteens.
(b) Health of Food Handlers.
There would be a big reduction in food poisoning if all who
work in canteens observed the simple, elementary rules of personal
hygiene.
(c) Hygienic Conditions in the Kitchen.
Every kitchen should have a wash-basin separate from the sink,
hot water, soap and clean towels.
All crockery and utensils must be thoroughly washed and
rinsed ; rinsing water must be changed frequentiy. Where it is
practicable to provide rinsing water maintained at a temperature of
about 18o°F., as, for instance, where there is a double sink with
a thermostatically controlled supply of hot water for rinsing,
crockery and utensils will be sterilised and will dry quickly without
a drying cloth.
The need for cleanliness for all working surfaces (that should
be impervious to liquids and without open cracks), fittings, walls and
floors cannot be over-emphasised. The staff should wear clean
overalls and caps.
(id) The Preparation and Cooking of Food.
In school canteens it ought not to be necessary to cook food
the day before it is to be eaten. If all food were kept cold till it was
cooked, if the cooking were done thoroughly, if all cooked food were
eaten immediately after cooking or cooled down at once and kept
cool till it was to be used, there would be very little food poisoning in
school canteens.
(e) Domestic Animals and Pests.
All food should be protected and all waste food should be kept
in bins with closely-fitting lids. Rodents on the premises should
be exterminated.