Dear Mr. Editor,
Is the Health Department asleep?
I have been residing in this country for sometime now where I have actually acquired ‘belonger’s status’, and therefore I am of the view that I have a right to voice my concerns in relation to ‘wrongs’ that are so prevalent.
I live alone and therefore have to take care of myself. I am not a chef but can handle myself in the kitchen to my satisfaction and that of others with whom, at times, I may share a meal with.
My concerns are: at times, due to my work schedule, time is against me and I patronize some food catering establishments, but there are some very serious concerns with these ‘Food Place.’ And I often wonder if the Health Department is asleep as it relates to the daily operations of these places.
In other countries, including the land of my birth, I have observed that certain health practices are adhered to: eg, the wearing of hairnets when cooking and serving food in food establishments, unlike here, in my adopted home.
It has been noticed that in some popular restaurants which offer meals known as ‘half and half’, which are a combination of chicken and fries, that the employees with their long needle-like hair, do not adhere to the rule where hairnets are to be worn. Their hair hang loose over the meals that are prepared and sold to the public. I have to wonder, if the health authorities are aware of this practice, or if they are asleep and know not what is taking place.
This unhealthy practice is observed not only in these ‘popular restaurants’, but is seen at many food vans, scattered throughout the land, catering to the public. Is the Health Department asleep?
It has also been noted that some females working and operating these food vans dress in sleeveless blouses where, the perspiration runs from the armpits, along the arm and into the meals being served to the public. Again, is the Health Department asleep, or is it turning a ‘blind eye’ to the practice?
Health Department, we have enough health issues. Please wake up and enforce the regulations governing the operations of these places!!!
The meals are not free and the public should be treated better.
Name withheld at writer’s request
