A food handler was observed repeatedly scratching his bottom during a food hygiene inspection.

A pub has been closed after inspectors found multiple food hygiene problems, including a food handler who was observed repeatedly scratching his bottom.

The Bulls Head in Denby, Derbyshire, was told to improve its procedures following the inspection, including an instruction that food handlers “must not repeatedly touch/scratch their backsides”.

The pub group which owns the public house said it had since closed the premises and removed the former landlady, who reportedly ordered an inspector to leave the premises.

…

The inspection report, addressed to the former landlady, states: "Your food handler [redacted name] scratched his backside through his shorts several times, touched his face and dirty equipment, but failed to wash his hands after touching those items.

“This may lead to contamination of food.”

Under a heading stating “action required”, the report states: “Food handlers must not repeatedly touch/scratch their backsides then prepare food. Wash hands after such behaviour.”

It also says: “If there is an issue that causes repeated bottom scratching, that food handler must not work in the kitchen until the problem is resolved so they do not repeatedly scratch/touch their bottom.”

  • GooberEarEnglish
    6·
    3 months ago

    I worked in a grocery store in the USA almost a lifetime ago. One of the stores I worked in had a guy like this. He was very young at the time and although he was not diagnosed back then, I’m sure he’s got some diagnosis for being neurodivergent these days. Unfortunately, he also likely had IBS.

    Poor guy often smelled like he crapped his pants. His mother would even drop him off at work sometimes and I struggle to believe she couldn’t smell that. Sometimes the smell would be so bad that he would be sent home because of it. Worse, he was notorious for picking and scratching his asshole. He was not self conscious about it at all, so he’d do it as he was talking to a customer and bagging their order. He would sometimes even do a scratch and sniff, in full view of the public. It was not pretty.

    I worked in customer service and from time to time I’d have to deal with irate customers because of that behavior. Truthfully, I don’t and didn’t blame them for complaining. All I could really do is be empathetic and call a manager in cases like that.

    Why am I sharing all this? Why ask why? Why ask why, indeed.