Fries with a side of E .coli, please

April 3, 2006
The Ontarion (University of Guelph)

Courtney Duquette writes that she witnessed an appalling scene at the Grill House in the University Centre:
While standig there waiting for my food, I watched two women cooking behind the counter. At one point, one of the women grabbed at a stack of raw hamburger patties with her bare hands and put them on the grill. After she was finished, I watched carefully to see if she would wash her hands; she didn't. She then proceeded to grab a couple of buns, put some cooked patties on them, and then handed them to two unknowing studnets who I assume went off to eat their meals.

I find this act of incredible carelessness completely disgusting, especially in a university setting. Has this woman never heard of E Coli bacteria? According to health standards, proper and consistent hand-washing is paramount in food preparation, ESPECIALLY after handling RAW meat! I sincerely hope that the university, which supposedly cares about our health and well-being, will take better care in enforcing health policies at our food outlets, or else I will simply refuse to bring my business to any of these places again. As a student, I cannot afford to get sick, especially not during the examination period. I'm sure others will agree with my saying that.

In my opinion, I should not even have to be writing this letter. It is common sense... that one should wash one's hands after having touched raw beef, or any other raw meat for that matter. Apparently some people think that they can get away with cutting corners. Well, guess again... when it comes to the health of the students, the employees of the university should think twice before trying to take the easy way.