Państwowy Zakład Higieny o żywności i odżywianiu w Polsce w latach 1945–1970

Surveys of basic foodstuffs (meat and meat products, milk and milk products, flour and bread) carried out by the State Institute of Hygiene between 1945 and 1970 indicate that their hygienic and sanitary condition raised many concerns. The most serious effect of this neglect in this respect was numerous epidemics and food poisoning, which affected up to several hundred people at a time. In its study of the nutrition of the Polish population, the PZH focused primarily on pupils of rural primary schools and adolescents using school dormitories. Their diets were chaotic and monotonous, often lacking such important ingredients as raw fruit and vegetables and wholesome protein. Their menus were dominated by cabbage and potatoes, often eaten several times a day, although in different forms.