Health Officer condemns 'aP-P-alling~ state of campus kitchens as Uni launches P-ilot fridge scheme By CLAIRE HAMILTON-EDDY, Assistant News Editor
A food safety expert has condemned the state of campus kitchens as "appalling", claiming that poor facilities are putting students at risk of food poisoning. But UEA bosses are refu sing to admit that the basic facilities are inadequate, and are instead asking cashstrapped students to fork out more for extra equipment. In older residences, the "There is a definite risk of food one unit." University only provides one poisoning if there are that many "Hardly any of the food fridge between up to 14 students people sharing," said Mr Cooper. contained within them will be a situation Norfolk kept at the right temperature, so Appalling Environmental Health Officer, it could lead to bacteria growing Gary Cooper, thinks is a recipe "lt is quite appalling that so on some of the foods ." for disaster. many people are expected to use "You've also got the potential
for cross contamination between raw and cooked products ," alleged Mr Cooper. But UEA residence chiefs have rejected the charges, and insist students are safe. "I don't think we would have anything that we would consider a health hazard ," said Accommodation Officer Manager, Laurence Daly. "We have operated successfully with the current
facilities for many years," he added. However, he did reveal that the University is to pilot a scheme to install a second fridge in campus kitchens 路 so long as residents are willing to pay extra.
Reacting "We are reacting to an idea that students have put to us, and we are happy to take on board. We are willing to give it a go, and then expand it next year if it works well," explained Mr Daly.
Other news: - 'Offensive' suicide tips in FHM freshers guide - Campus phones on hold 2 - Timetable troubles 4 And he defended the decision to charge students extra for the crucial equipment. "There are lots of things that could be done better, but you
have to work within your budget. If people are asking for additional things, it wouldn 't be fair to give them extra facilities at no cost," claimed Mr Daly. Corridors will be charged up to 拢90 for a fridge for a year, plus the cost of any alterations required such as an extra socket. But students criticised the
Arguments University for not providing adequate refridgeration facilities as part of the basic rent package. "it's an absolutely diabolical situation. All our stuff rots at the back because you can't find it and some of the food is kept warm because there is so much in there," complained Julie Blint (SOC3). "it's disgusting that we should be expected to share a fridge between 14 people," fumed Kate Dunlop (LLT 1). - see comment, page 9.