Lackmann's Sanitation and Health

by Dave Fuller

What would happen if a student became sick from the food on campus? Mary Honey of Health Services outlined the procedure should someone become sick. If food related illness is suspected, the Health Department is notified. The nurses at Adelphi go directly to Lackmann to see if there is any connection to the illness and to see what was served that day and how it was prepared. "Lackmann has generally been fast to respond if food is suspected in any illness," explained Honey.

Honey emphasized that food poisoning is very serious. "There is no doubt if you have food poisoning you would know it," said Honey. In any case of food poisoning, the patient would be taken off campus to a hospital. Honey also said that many students do not report sickness, of any kind, to the health service center at Waldo Hall. "A lot of the times, we just don't know if anyone is sick. It is important for students to come to us if there is any health problem of any sort," said Honey. Honey also recommended students should eat their food soon after purchasing it so it does not spoil. This will reduce the risk of health complications.

Honey has worked for Health Services since 1989. She said there is only one reported case of food poisoning several years ago. The student came back to campus after eating Chinese food and with poisoning. They were taken to the hospital. "There hasn't been a hospitalization due to campus food to my memory," said Honey.

There is evidence contrary to this. Last year, a student who now lives in Chapman Hall was hospitalized for several days. She first went to the health services after feeling pain in her stomach for several days. The health services referred her to a nearby hospital. She was diagnosed with an intestinal infection and needed expensive antibiotics to treat the infection. "The doctors said the food I ate caused the infection," the student said. "At that time, I did not have a car and only ate the food on campus. In addition, my roommate last year was hospitalized for having an infection caused by the country chicken sandwich. Around 2AM, he had to be assisted to the health services and was later sent to an off-campus hospital. He stayed there for several days. The doctors concluded the chicken he had was the culprit for the infection."

The quality of food and sanitation is also under criticism by student consumers. At the Food Committee meeting, students addressed many issues involving the quality of food, sanitation, and other health issues related to food. Flies in salads and cockroaches in the UC Cafeteria and in the hamburgers and chicken patties have been reported by many students and the Adelphi Dining Services. To combat this, Adelphi contacted an exterminator to bomb the UC. There has been progress but there are still reports of insects found in the dining halls.

There were also complaints of uncooked meat and unsanitary usage of kitchen utensils. According to many students at the food committee meeting, often the same knives are used on different meats and vegetables without being washed. Many students also complained about the quality of salad, which they say contains brown and spoiled vegetables in their salad. Lackmann representatives said the lettuce is washed three times before it is placed into salads and sandwiches. One student consumer rebutted saying she saw employees just dump the lettuce and other vegetables into the salads without washing it. Another student presented a recently purchased carton of milk and showed everyone the chunks and spoilage within.

Alain Lanz suggested that students should speak up if they do not find their food to be properly prepared. "If something is not right, report it. We need your input," suggested Lanz. Rob Lakey seconded that suggestion: "We will refund your purchase and give you a properly prepared meal." "This place is not up to my standards, but I am willing to sacrifice to get this place there," said Lakey. Lanz, Lakey, and the Lackmann representatives encourage students to come to them with questions, comments, and complaints. Lanz established the Food Committee to promote an open dialogue between students. He says he wants to provide the best possible services for Adelphi students and consumers. However, the students still see what they consider unsanitary conditions, slow service, and improperly prepared meals, and many are still unconvinced.