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Original poster

What is something you know because of your job, that would surprise others? (My example is gross, thread warning!)

778 replies

Mrmen1100 · 10/05/2026 19:24

It can be anything!!

I will start..

I am a food safety inspector (local authority) and have been for over 15 years, working in two large cities, and my current job in a smaller local authority. The same theme...

Food handlers do NOT wash their hands properly after using the toilet / before preparing your food.. lack of antibacterial soap in a toilet cubicle or in a kitchen is common place.... even when I am there, hands are not washed, it is an absolute bug bear of mine.

Preparing with raw meat then handling food ready to eat.. not uncommon

Handling cash / touching screens then handling food.. not uncommon.

Yes it does put me off eating outside of my house unfortunately 🙃

I have come across a LOT worse but this example irritates me.

Your turn!!!!!

OP posts:
Netcurtainnelly · 29/07/2026 21:33

Mrmen1100 · 10/05/2026 19:24

It can be anything!!

I will start..

I am a food safety inspector (local authority) and have been for over 15 years, working in two large cities, and my current job in a smaller local authority. The same theme...

Food handlers do NOT wash their hands properly after using the toilet / before preparing your food.. lack of antibacterial soap in a toilet cubicle or in a kitchen is common place.... even when I am there, hands are not washed, it is an absolute bug bear of mine.

Preparing with raw meat then handling food ready to eat.. not uncommon

Handling cash / touching screens then handling food.. not uncommon.

Yes it does put me off eating outside of my house unfortunately 🙃

I have come across a LOT worse but this example irritates me.

Your turn!!!!!

Then I hope they are closed down.

Netcurtainnelly · 29/07/2026 21:37

peachescariad · 11/05/2026 14:23

I was a food safety EHO for 19 years.....

The wash hand basins bone dry even though food handlers had been on site for several hours.
To save space, food containers stacked on top of each other with no lids so the underside in contact with the foodstuffs below.
Cooked ducks hanging outside pegged on a washing line.
When asked to provide 'adequate ventilation' in a pub kitchen, the landlord got his shot gun out and fired 3 holes through the kitchen windows.
The number of food businesses cooking/prepping food to customers with active cockroach infestations.
I could go on.....

Show quote history

Close them down.

HorribleHisTories15 · 30/07/2026 04:09

MegMortimer · 11/05/2026 14:16

Having worked for many years in education, I can tell you that some teachers are too stupid to understand the Examination Boards' Specifications.

Sadly, this comes as no surprise to most of us. Thank you for your hard work though

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