. . . meet the food services manager

You could say that Garry Kitching is a man with a lot on his plate.
As food services manager with Hull City Council, it's his job to make sure that more than 2,400 food outlets are clean and safe.
This includes hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes, takeaways, schools and residential homes. The code of practice he uses is governed by the highly respected Food Standards Agency.
"Public health is an important issue for the council because it helps to prevent the outbreak and spread of food-borne diseases," says Garry.
"As soon as new food outlets open - or if they change hands - we do an inspection, and premises are also examined on a rolling basis, so we can find out whether they are keeping up standards."
Even food that arrives at ports and airports from other countries has to be checked. Issuing food export certificates for Hull-based businesses that want to sell food overseas is also a responsibility.
Much of the work requires in-depth scientific study, and Garry and his team can call on the assistance of microbiologists at Hull Royal Infirmary for example, when foods such as cooked meats and cream products have to be examined. Over 1,000 food samples are taken from Hull's retail outlets each year.
"I've done meat inspection in abattoirs in the past and that comes in useful now. It brings a good understanding of food and its storage and handling requirements, and the health risks these can carry," adds Garry.
The job to ensure the highest safety standards in Hull presents many challenges, but Garry and his team remain ever vigilant, working on the public's behalf.