Who Watches the Kitchen?

From mystery meat in chemical buckets and mouse prints in soda syrup to tears in a parking lot and threats of being shot, "Who Watches the Kitchen?" takes readers on a rollicking, astonishing journey through the hidden truths of the foodservice industry.

In her remarkable thirty-plus-year career, author Francine L. Shaw has experienced every aspect of the industry: learning the ropes as a fry girl, managing restaurants, inspecting businesses for the health department, and educating and improving food safety for corporate brands, academia, and regulatory bodies. In revealing what it's really like to serve as a health inspector, she tackles head-on the issues and experiences many inspectors face but rarely discuss in public forums.

48 million people get sick and 3,000 die every year from foodborne illness in the United States alone. Every one of these illnesses is preventable. So what's going wrong? Alongside wild stories detailing how foodborne illnesses can happen at all kinds of restaurants, Shaw offers practical solutions. By the end of the book, consumers will know simple ways to protect themselves. Business owners will understand anew how to keep people safe and solve many of their most common challenges.

"Who Watches the Kitchen?" is not only a book about food safety but also a call for change. Shaw addresses the lack of gender diversity in the industry and aims to inspire more women to pursue careers in food safety. As one of the few female experts in her field, Shaw seeks to break the norms and pave the way for greater inclusivity.

A must-read for anyone who has ever dined in a restaurant and wants to keep dining safely, "Who Watches the Kitchen?" is an invaluable resource for both industry professionals and concerned consumers. Get ready to embark on a journey that will forever change how you perceive the food on your plate.