Why do cooks wear white uniform?

 Why do cooks wear white uniform?

PROF WAQAR HUSSAIN

The white jacket is the most popular chef’s clothing in the world. There are some factors behind the use of white uniform. First, white colour symbolized cleanliness. Psychologically, everyone likes to have food prepared by a clean and healthy person and white uniform gives impression that the food preparer is neat and clean and ultimately the food prepared is also clean one. White convinces the consumer about clean, spotless, germ free, etc nature of food and above all the white cap ensures no falling of hair in food which often spoil the meal when appear in one’s food.

            Second, the other reason is chef coat serve the purpose of safety. The long, thick sleeves protect the chef from burns on the arms and the double breasting on the front protects from hot pans and sauces that may splash up. The knot buttons on the front do not melt unlike normal plastic buttons which keeps from having foreign objects falling into the food. Also, these buttons are come off quickly in case of an emergency where the coat must be removed quickly.

              Third, white is the most reflective colour, so a white jacket repels heat instead of absorbing it. Kitchens are hot places and heavy white cotton uniform insulates the body from the searing heat of stoves, hearth and ovens.

               Cook feels much cooler in white than in dark colour --and much safe in long sleeve --and much protected double breast –and much secured in white cap--and much easier in cotton which is not only soothing but also absorbs obnoxious splashing liquids.