Public Health in the Development

Public Health

In the development of food safety and security during the 20th century, several elements of public health infrastructure played a role. This role was so well fulfilled that food safety and security in the United States is at a level today where assessment of problems and related planning can be carried out from a solid basis of public health infrastructure. Specifically, the most important components of this infrastructure include scientific research, sharing findings with other professionals and the public, public awareness, and government legislation.

Scientific research played a large role especially during the beginning of the century, when the food industry was rife with unsanitary practices. These practices pervaded the industry both in uncleanly dealings with the animals used in food preparation, and in the practices of the persons working with these foods. Hand washing for example became common practice only when scientific research proved it to be necessary (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report., 1999). When research has been conducted, it is essential that findings be published in order to enhance public awareness. These three components work together to ensure public health and safety with regard to food. This results in healthy, hygienic practices such as washing hands, cooking meat properly, and ensuring a sufficient daily intake of the correct nutrients without encouraging obesity.

Government legislation is another important component in public health infrastructure. This component is essential in protecting the public from unsafe foods such as unpasteurized milk, dangerous insecticides used on fruit and vegetables, and disease-carrying components in imported foods (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report., 1999).