The history of academic education in food microbiology and hygiene in the Netherlands has largely been written by Prof Kampelmacher. The first contribution in this field dates from 1961, and suggested a new approach to teaching Veterinary Public Health. His later research led to the conclusion that intervention would be the only way to control the food transmitted diseases originating from slaughter animals and poultry, particularly Salmonellosis. This intervention should take place at the beginning of the contamination cycle. In the 1970's, surveys showed that feed decontamination would no longer efficiently control the endemicity of Salmonellosis. The contamination cycles had become autonomous. Consequently, emphasis on terminal decontamination of food products was necessary. Besides his activitities in teaching and research, Prof Kampelmacher masterminded a modern view of the responsibilities of academic scientists. Moreover, he strongly promoted an interdisciplinary approach to scientific consultation and advice. In this respect, he has unfortunately not been successful in introducing radiadation of dangerously contaminated food, having met strong opposition from various quarters. His efforts in multidisciplinary training and research programmes resulted in, among other things, fruitful cooperation between the Agricultural University at Wageningen and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University.