The Present Status of Dish Washing Procedures Adopted in Coffee Houses and Restaurants—A Bacteriological Assay

The Government of Madras constituted a committee in October 1950 to consider the question of cleanliness and sanitation in coffee houses, canteens and other catering establishments in the State and to make recommendations for the removal of defects and deficiencies, with a view to securing adequate standards of cleanliness, sanitation and quality of the edibles sold in such premises. In the course of the preliminary discussions, the committee felt the need for a bacteriological study of the present methods adopted for cleaning and handling of glassware, dishes and other utensils used in establishments serving food, drinks and beverages in the city. This was the genesis of the present investigation and the main purpose of the survey carried out was to determine how far the present dish washing methods were satisfactory from the hygienic point of view and to suggest practicable and feasible methods for the improvement of the procedures in vogue.