We are a rare breed for sure. Always happy to discuss any topics related to my job any time, but not argue or try to convince people they’re going to get someone sick. I do that enough during work hours.

I’m an environmental health officer, formerly a food technologist. I inspect food businesses (home businesses all the way up to big manufacturers), childcare facilities, hospitals, accommodation (hotels, motels, aged care, rooming houses), beauty businesses (nails, tattoo, waxing, etc), recreational water (pools, beaches, lakes, etc), wastewater systems.

I investigate complaints regarding any of the above, pests, environmental pollution (dust, noise, nuisance complaints), secondary impact assessments (after a major incident like fire, flood, earthquake), food borne illnesses, communicable diseases, food recalls.

Not an inclusive list. We are on the prevention side rather than the reactive side like nurses and doctors, so we tend to go unnoticed.

I don’t think there’s an active community anywhere for EHOs. Anyone know of any? I follow some food communities, but that’s it. I don’t get involved with people arguing about food safety on the internet because there are some people whose minds can’t be changed.

Edit: Sorry, this came out way longer than I expected. Still in bed, haven’t had coffee yet, still kind of groggy… But it’s the weekend.

My kitchen knives, definitely. Just came back from Japan with an expensive one, so it better last my whole life. Also, if I move countries, it isn’t something I have to buy again because of different outlet plugs and stuff, and it’s not heavy either.