Effects of HACCP on process hygiene in different types of Serbian food establishments

This paper presents results from a research that analyzed effects of implementing HACCP on process hygiene in food establishments in Serbia. Process hygiene indicators were microbial profiles of 73,428 samples from food contact surfaces, hands of food handlers and cooling facilities collected from 1707 food establishments during a period of seven years. The study covered two periods during the observed period, 41 months before and 43 months after the implementation of the new Food Safety Law in Serbia requiring HACCP. Overall results presented in this paper confirm post-HACCP process hygiene improvement expressed as reduction of at least 0.7 log₁₀ CFU/cm² for food contact surfaces to over 1 log₁₀ CFU/cm² for cooling facilities. Our research confirms that after requiring HACCP, the main differences in process hygiene in respect to food contact surfaces were observed between takeaways (as food establishment with poorest hygiene) and other categories of food establishments. Institutional food services were the best scored establishments. Regarding food handlers' hygiene, results show similar level of hygiene improvements in all types of establishments.     

Hygiene assessment of Serbian meat establishments using different scoring systems

The recent proposals for modernization of the meat inspection system across the EU recommend that it should be risk-based and also suggest that risk categorization of slaughterhouses should be based on a process hygiene output through the use of indicator organisms – Aerobic Colony Count (ACC) and Enterobacteriaceae count (EC), monitored on carcasses. In this study, the evaluation of the hygiene of operations in cattle and pig slaughterhouses/meat processing companies in Serbia was carried out through two methodologies: a) auditing based on scoring systems used in the UK and Australia; and b) microbial process hygiene indicators. The results confirmed that slaughterhouses with higher levels of hygiene had lower ACC and EC levels. The complementary nature of the methodologies may be effectively used in a process of risk categorization of slaughterhouses. To achieve better consistency and objectiveness in the assessment process, the intensive and structured training of regulatory authorities (official veterinary inspectors, meat inspectors) will be essential.     

Food safety knowledge,attitudes and practices of street food vendors and consumers in Port-au-Prince,Haiti

This study had the major objective of determining the food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices of vendors and consumers of street food in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Haiti currently has no food safety legislation in place. 160 consumers and 80 vendors from four different communes (Tabarre, Delmas, Pétion-ville and downtown Port-au-Prince) volunteered to participate in the study. In general, consumers and vendors exhibited average food safety knowledge and attitude levels. Gender, training, level of education and location did not have a significant effect (p < 0.05) on the level of food safety knowledge of the consumers. Vendors were determined to have higher levels of food safety knowledge than consumers, whilst trained vendors had better food safety knowledge and attitudes compared to untrained vendors. The majority of vendors and consumers were aware of the importance of washing hands and proper cleaning with regards to the prevention of foodborne diseases. However, some other aspects were of concern. Consumers and vendors did not know that Hepatitis A, Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus spp. are pathogens responsible of foodborne diseases. They also had difficulties in identifying the groups at risk of foodborne diseases and most were unaware of the importance of reheating food to fight against foodborne diseases. In the observational part of the study, it was found that in 60% of the cases, flies and animals were evident around the stall and 65% did not have access to potable water. The majority served food with bare hands and did not wash their hands after handling money. Additionally, 70% of the vendors did not chill pre-cooked food. The conditions in which street food vendors operate in Port-au-Prince are largely unacceptable from a food safety point of view and an effort should be made to provide them with adequate infrastructure including potable water, toilets and waste disposal facilities. The results of this study should be used to generate part of the impetus towards the development of enforcement of appropriate food safety legislation in Haiti.     

Knowledge of food safety and food handling practices amongst food handlers in the Republic of Ireland

Food safety concerns have existed for a long time, as millions of people across the globe suffer from food borne disease every year. Contamination of food owing to limited knowledge of food safety practices primarily increases the risk of food borne illnesses. In the present study, quantitative research was carried out to gauge the level of food safety knowledge amongst people living in Ireland. A total of 1069 participants from all over the Republic of Ireland contributed to the survey (of which 821 were included in this research). Results showed that the residents of Ireland overall had an average level on knowledge of food safety practices (67.0% passing rate). They had an average level of knowledge in food storage (52.8% passing rate), usage and maintenance of the kitchen facilities (59.0% passing rate), and personal hygiene (61.0% passing rate). Conversely, they had a critically low level of knowledge in food handling (10.8% passing rate) and food poisoning (20.1% passing rate). The results of the present study also showed that, the level of knowledge of food safety practices varies amongst the residents based upon their gender, age, place of residence, education level, and marital status, while no significant difference in the knowledge level was observed based upon their per capita income. The study thus, highlights that there is scope for improvement for the residents to advance their knowledge of food safety practices. Therefore, it can be recommended that researchers, educators, food safety communicators, and the media can engage in educating the population, to help the residents advance their food safety knowledge to safer food practices.     

Food safety knowledge,attitudes and practices of street food vendors and consumers in Ho Chi Minh city,Vietnam

This study had the major objective of evaluating the food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices of consumers and vendors of street foods in Ho Chi Minh City (MCMC), Vietnam. There were three main surveys performed in this study. A total of 120 consumers and 40 street food vendors from four districts [Binh Thanh (BT), Thu Duc (TD), district 3 (D3) and district 8 (D8)] in HCMC contributed to the study on a voluntary basis. The surveyed consumers had adequate levels of food safety knowledge and attitudes. No significant difference (p > 0.05) occurred between the food safety knowledge levels of the consumers on the basis of gender. However, significant differences (p < 0.05) occurred on the basis of age, education level, food safety training status and location. In contrast, the street vendors had poor food safety knowledge and attitude levels. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the food safety knowledge levels of the vendors on the basis of gender and age. However, significant differences (p < 0.05) were found on the basis of food safety training status and education level. It was also noted that the vast majority (95%) of the vendors had not received any food safety training. With regards to the practices, it was determined that 52.5% of the vending sites were open air stands without any protection from the sun, wind and dust. 52.5% the vending stalls had no direct access to potable water, while 47.5% did not have adequate hand washing facilities and a further 30% lacked proper waste water and food disposal facilities. In addition, 52.5% of the vendors did not separate raw, partially cooked food and cooked food products. These findings highlighted that street food vendors in HCMC generally have poor food handling practices and most are operating under unhygienic conditions. These results should provide the Vietnamese government with even more reasons to increase their current efforts to improve the safety of street foods and food safety awareness of the consumers.     

Evaluation of food safety and sanitary practices among food vendors at car parks in Ile Ife,southwestern Nigeria

Globally, the street food business has expanded rapidly and provides access to a diversity of inexpensive, ready-to-eat variety of food for customers. Street Food vendors (SFVs) operate where numerous customers exist and their operations are poorly regulated in Nigeria. Globally, SFVs were implicated in several outbreaks of foodborne diseases. This study therefore evaluates the behavioural characteristics and hygiene practices of SFVs in car parks in Ile Ife, southwestern Nigeria.The study was cross sectional in design and utilized interviewer-administered questionnaire on 160 randomly selected SFVs, targeting demography, food and personal hygiene practices and knowledge of foodborne diseases.Most respondents were <40 years (134, 83.7%); females (147, 91.9%); married (125, 78.1%); had at least secondary education (144, 90%); and vend whole meals (151, 94.3%), respectively. In addition, only 27 (16.9%) ‘always’ wash hands after using the toilet; 100 (62.5%) ‘rarely’ keep finger nails short while only 6 (3.8%) SFVs ‘always’ refrigerate leftover cooked food, though experiences power outages that compromise refrigeration temperatures. About ⅔ (61.9%) of the SFVs had no formal training and their medical status is unknown. Hence, inception and refreshers trainings should be mandatory and enforced by appropriate authorities. In addition, supportive monitoring, supervision, among others are necessary to promote compliance.     

Street vendors in Patna,India: Understanding the socio-economic profile,livelihood and hygiene practices

Street food vending is fundamental to daily life in many low and middle income countries where much of the urban population rely on food provided by street vendors. While street vendors are known to be important providers of food; limited research has investigated vendor’s hygiene practices and their socioeconomic circumstances in India. The aims of this study were to investigate the hygienic practices of food vendors and the context of their socioeconomic and living circumstances. Structured interviews were conducted with 31 street food vendors in Patna, India. The interviews explored issues around vending, hygiene practices, planning, and financial stability. Findings from this study indicate that food vendors are aware of good basic hygiene practices despite having low levels of literacy, low incomes, and limited job security.     

Evaluation of food safety training on hygienic conditions in food establishments

Food handlers' training is fundamental in order to ensure the safety of the foodstuff. However, the success of training programs that provide only information is unclear and changes in improper food practices are not usually achieved. Food training programs based on theoretical as well as practical activities have been revealed as an important tool in which food handlers can put information into practice. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the influence of food safety training, based on both theoretical and practical approaches, on the microbiological counts of food contact surfaces, food tools, food equipment surfaces and hand washing in canteens and cafes of one university campus. After food safety training, total plate counts decreased about 60% in the case of canteens and almost 45% in cafes while moulds and yeasts decreased approximately 65% in canteens and 55% in cafes. In terms of location, the microbiological reductions observed were higher for food equipment in canteens and for food tools in cafes. The microbiological counts of food handlers' hands decreased after both food safety training and disinfection. Food safety training influenced the reduction of overall microbiological parameters. Parametric t-tests (after vs before training) indicated that reductions were statistically significant before and after disinfection for total plate counts. The decrease observed for total coliforms and Enterobacteriaceae, were statistically significant only before disinfection. The food safety programs cannot be based entirely on a theoretical approach but also on adequate training which includes a practical approach. The success of the microbiological reductions in the study was associated to the practical lessons which let the handler put into practice the knowledge acquired in the theoretical part.     

Determinants of food hygiene knowledge among youths: A cross-sectional online study

IntroductionA cross sectional study was carried out among 1178 tertiary students (98.2% response rate) at a premier university based in Kuala Lumpur city. This paper specifically deals with knowledge of food hygiene and its determinants.MethodsA web-based questionnaire pertaining to knowledge, attitudes and behavior related to food hygiene was emailed to registered students. Questions on knowledge were related to personal food hygiene (11 items), causes of foodborne diseases (9 items), symptoms of foodborne disease (12 items) and food handling practice (12 items). A score of 1 was given to right answer and 0 to the wrong answer. The students was selected by stratified into three field of studies; Art, Science and Technical.ResultsMean age of students was 23 years old (sd = 3.57), female (65.9%), mostly undergraduates (73.2%), field of study (Arts 42.1%, Science 37.4%, Technical 20.5%), majority of the parents have had secondary education. Overall mean knowledge score = 69.5 ± 6.3 (personal food hygiene 73.0; causes of foodborne diseases 71.9; symptoms of foodborne disease 62.1; food handling practices 70.7). Overall knowledge was significantly associated with gender, level and field of study and father's educational level. Significant association was found between personal food hygiene and field of study with science students being more knowledgeable. Older age and undergraduates were significantly more knowledgeable on causes of foodborne diseases. As for knowledge on symptoms of foodborne diseases, younger pre-university students and father's educational level were significantly associated. In terms of knowledge on food handling, female students and science students were more knowledgeable. Multiple regression analysis showed that gender, level of study, field of study and father's educational level were significant predictors of knowledge on food hygiene.ConclusionThese results warrant the need for further educational programme in creating greater awareness on food hygiene among Malaysian youths.     

The hygienic working practices of maintenance personnel and equipment hygiene in the Finnish food industry

The hygienic working practices of the maintenance personnel as well as the hygiene of the equipment in the food industry were investigated with questionnaires and microbial surveys. The protective clothing, washing of hands and tools as well as avoiding foreign bodies left on the production lines should be targeted when the hygienic working practices are developed for maintenance personnel. Based on the questionnaire to food processors, packaging machines, conveyers, dispensers, slicing and cooling machines were considered the most problematic pieces of equipment hygienically mainly because of poor hygienic design. In order to improve food safety, both the training of maintenance personnel in food hygiene and equipment design should be more emphasised.     

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of workers on food hygienic practices in meat processing plants in Fars, Iran

This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of food workers in four meat processing plants in the Fars province, southern Iran. A self-administered, structured questionnaire was designed and completed by 97 food workers during November 2006–January 2007. Results indicated that the respondents had acceptable level of knowledge, excellent attitudes and poor practices toward food hygiene measures. Almost all of the food workers (97.9%) were aware of the critical role of general sanitary measures in the work place while there was lack of knowledge about microbial food hazards in the majority (67–78%) of them. A significant negative correlation was observed between knowledge and practices (r_s = −0.20, P = 0.04), and attitudes and practices (r_s = −0.27, P = 0.009), revealing that increased knowledge and even attitudes toward food safety does not always result in positive change in food handling behaviors.     

Food handlers’ knowledge on food hygiene: The case of a catering company in Portugal

The aim of this study was to assess the food hygiene knowledge of professional food handlers from an institutional catering company which manufactures and distributes meals to the canteens of schools, kindergartens and nursing homes in Portugal. A total of 101 food handlers from 18 geographically distributed business units were assessed. Data collection employed a previously used, multiple-choice questionnaire, aimed at exploring the food safety knowledge and practices of individual respondents. The average score of questions answered correctly was 13 out of 23 (56.5%) with a standard deviation (SD) of 3.22. However, the percentage of correct answers varies with the issues questioned, being significantly lower on issues such as temperature control (p < 0.001) and sources of contamination/high-risk foods (p < 0.001). The level of knowledge was influenced by the level of formal education (p = 0.025) of respondents. The results reinforce the importance of conducting a preliminary assessment of training needs and evaluating the effectiveness of training.     

Knowledge of food safety and handling in households: A survey of food handlers in Mainland China

The objective of the study was to provide a picture of knowledge of food safety and handling in households and identify a demographic profile of “high-risk” groups with the poorest knowledge. A national survey of food handlers in Mainland China (n = 482) was conducted using previously validated closed questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of 26 knowledge questions, which included 5 scales that covered key concepts of food safety and handling in households, and 7 demographic questions. The respondents demonstrated a very low level of knowledge and the mean score awarded to them was 7.95 (knowledge scores from 0 to 26). The data were further analyzed to determine differences in knowledge between populations of different demographics. Differences were found between male and female respondents (p < 0.01), urban and rural respondents (p < 0.01) and respondents with different income levels (p = 0.04). Two “high-risk” groups with the lowest level of knowledge are 1) male food handlers with a per capita annual income of less than 30,000 CNY (4773 USD) and 2) female food handlers who live in rural areas and have a per capita annual income below 30,000 CNY (4773 USD) and deserve special attention. This is the first national survey in Mainland China and the results suggested that developing educational programs related to food safety and handling in households of Mainland China are urgently needed.     

Food safety knowledge,attitudes and self-reported practices of food handlers in institutional foodservice in Accra,Ghana

The aim of this study was to evaluate the food safety knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of food handlers from institutional food service establishments that serve hospitals, boarding senior high schools and prisons in Accra, Ghana. A total of 278 food handlers (56.8% of hospital, 30.9% of schools and 12.3% of prison food service) participated in the cross-sectional study. Data was collected by face-to-face interviews, and responses were scored to determine the level of food safety KAP. Respondents who scored ≥70% of the maximum possible score were adjudged to have sufficient knowledge and practices and positive attitudes. Results showed that respondents generally had insufficient food safety knowledge and practices with means scores of 20.99 ± 7.64 (46%) and 9.35 ± 5.62 (52%) respectively. Attitudes towards food safety were generally negative but with a comparatively higher mean score of 12.64 ± 3.06 (63%). Areas of most concern were 1) Lack of knowledge of sources of contamination/cross-contamination and appropriate holding temperatures for food. 2) Poor practices included multiple freeze-thaw cycles for frozen food and 3) Infrequent hand washing during food preparation after coughing or sneezing. There is the need for continuous risk based training to educate and effect behavioral changes among food handlers. This process will encourage positive attitudes towards food safety and consequently promote good food safety practices.     

A review on food safety and food hygiene studies in Ghana

Food safety and hygiene in Ghana was studied using desk top literature review. Food research was highly concentrated in the capital city of the country and most research focus were on commercial food operations specifically street foods and microbiological safety with limited information from institutional catering and other forms of food hazards. The media currently serves as the main source for reporting of food borne diseases. Food establishments and other sources contributing to food borne diseases included restaurants, food joints, food vendors, schools and individual homes. Limited use of prerequisites measures and food safety management systems was identified. Recommendations on regulating the General Hygiene Principles, implementation of HACCP to strengthen the food sector, regular food safety and hygiene workshops and training for food handlers that commensurate with their roles were made. Government support for SMEs and food handler's health screening were made.     

Food safety knowledge and practices among Saudi women

The present cross sectional study was conducted on 811 Saudi women to evaluate their food safety knowledge and practices and explore factors affecting them. They reported better food safety practices than knowledge in overall food safety and all parameters except cooking. Personal hygiene was the parameter where they reported higher mean knowledge and practice (63.4% and 73.8%; respectively) with the lowest mean knowledge score in utensils and equipment (49.8%) whereas the lowest mean practice (60.2%) was in cooking. Saudi women with higher studies and those with 60 years and more showed higher mean knowledge and practice score in overall food safety and most parameters than those in other educational levels or age groups with significant variations (P < 0.05) among different educational levels except in practicing personal hygiene. Working women showed higher mean knowledge and practice than non working in all parameters with significant variation between their mean knowledge scores except in personal hygiene. Launching a food safety education program and repeating it at specific intervals is recommended.     

Hand hygiene knowledge,attitudes and practices among food handlers at primary schools in Hulu Langat district,Selangor (Malaysia)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the hand hygiene knowledge, attitudes and practices of food handlers from 38 primary schools in Hulu Langat district, Selangor State in Malaysia. Hand hygiene knowledge, principally regarding ready-to-eat foods, the existence of bacteria and correct hand-washing methods were lacking among the food handlers. From the observations reported herein, the use of masks and hand-washing with proper technique were neglected by most food handlers. In the demographic profile analysed, there were significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in the following areas: hand-washing practices between genders (p = 0.039), hand hygiene attitudes and glove use between nationalities (p = 0.002 and p = 0.029, respectively); and personal hygiene knowledge between groups with different levels of education (p = 0.048). This study revealed a slightly positive relationship between hand hygiene knowledge and self-reported practices of food handlers (r = 0.249, p = 0.022). The results showed that further continuous effort should be invested in hand hygiene education and enforcement for food handlers from primary schools in the Hulu Langat district. This study provided data about the current knowledge, attitudes and practices of food handlers from institutional foodservice operations in Malaysia regarding hand hygiene.     

Development of conscious food handling in Hungarian school cafeterias

The last steps of food chain are particularly important, because this is when the food products reach the consumer. In the catering sector, the responsibility of food handlers are very high in the prevention of foodborne diseases. In this situation, the food handler's work must be conscious. This paper focuses on the issue of consciousness in food handling, which is the relationship between the level of knowledge and the implementation of right practice. The aim of this study is to establish a special food hygiene training model and measure its efficiency. The essence of the training model is to increase the consciousness of food handlers.Food hygiene training was tested at 33 school kitchens, where 145 staff participated. The program lasted for 6 months. Theoretical knowledge was evaluated, using self-administered tests, and food handling practice was measured through observation. Results before and after the intervention program were compared.Deficiencies in hygienic knowledge and in food handling practice were identified in seven areas. Significant increases were observed in theoretical knowledge in the areas of receiving (33.5%) and food waste (11.7%). With regards to the food handling practice, some remarkable positive changes were observed in the fields of storage (33.3%), dishwashing (24.7%), and cleaning (22.0%). Dishwashing, personal hygiene, and cleaning were the areas where such increases were observed, both in their knowledge and practice, that is, consciousness was increased in these areas.The parallel development of hygienic knowledge and food handling practice increased the consciousness in food handling, which is indispensable for ensuring safe food practices. Increasing consciousness make good practice instinctive in everyday work.     

Evaluation of food safety related behaviors of retail and food service employees while handling fresh and fresh-cut leafy greens

Foodborne illness outbreaks are often associated with fresh and fresh-cut produce (specifically leafy greens); however, effective training and methods of prevention have not been readily available for the retail and food service industry. The objective of this study was to assess and evaluate the current state of compliance and employee handling practices for fresh and fresh-cut produce, and to identify factors influencing employees' fresh and fresh-cut handling practices using an observational survey tool. A total of sixteen restaurants and fifteen grocery stores in Texas and Ohio were observed. The results revealed low compliance of employees' leafy green handling practices such as improper use of thermometers, lack of documentation, and poor employee hygiene. Statistical analysis results suggested that employees' food safety behaviors vary based on several factors such as operation size, cuisine, and operation type. The results of the study will provide practical guidelines for training employees handling leafy green produce at fresh and fresh-cut packing facilities, produce distribution centers, grocery stores, and restaurants.