A few days ago the BBC reported that Berlin's innovative 'public fridges' were at risk of being closed, due to health and safety concerns. The fridges are indented to lower food waste and provide nourishment for the homeless, by allowing people to leave leftovers and unused food that would otherwise go to waste. While this sounds like a fantastic and progressive idea, there have been some concerns regarding health and safety which could cause the fridges to shut for good.
Local food safety authorities were not pleased by the hygiene standards of some of the fridges, stating that unpackaged and partially torn items were unhygienic, and suggesting that the fridges should be classed as food businesses. The organisers of course insisted that their fridges had never posed a health risk, angered by the suggestion that their project is putting public lives at risk. Fears that the fridges will have to close as a result of these comments has sparked an online petition, in which thousands have expressed their support for the scheme and its continuation.
While we are usually in support of any campaign which intends to improve awareness of food hygiene and public safety, it seems ridiculous to attack a scheme that not only prevents food waste, but also provides the needy with a nutritious portion of food. In many cases, it's likely that the most desperate members of this community would turn to even more unhygienic methods to retrieve food during their lowest points, so isn't it better to provide them with a service which is monitored than to leave them to their own devices?
Although we can't fault the inspectors for raising concerns, their efforts would be better spent in working with the program organisers as opposed to against them. This way, they could organise regular checks and tests of the fridges, and ensure that the proper food safety guidelines were being used and adhered to. If schemes like this are to continue and become more widespread, it's vital that health and safety professionals work alongside coordinators to make the programme both safe and successful.
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