A qualitative exploration of the perceptions and information needs of public health inspectors responsible for food safety

Abstract

BackgroundIn Ontario, local public health inspectors play an important frontline role in protecting the public from foodborne illness. This study was an in-depth exploration of public health inspectors' perceptions of the key food safety issues in public health, and their opinions and needs with regards to food safety information resources.MethodsFour focus group discussions were conducted with public health inspectors from the Central West region of Ontario, Canada during June and July, 2008. A questioning route was used to standardize qualitative data collection. Audio recordings of sessions were transcribed verbatim and data-driven content analysis was performed.ResultsA total of 23 public health inspectors participated in four focus group discussions. Five themes emerged as key food safety issues: time-temperature abuse, inadequate handwashing, cross-contamination, the lack of food safety knowledge by food handlers and food premise operators, and the lack of food safety information and knowledge about specialty foods (i.e., foods from different cultures). In general, participants reported confidence with their current knowledge of food safety issues and foodborne pathogens. Participants highlighted the need for a central source for food safety information, access to up-to-date food safety information, resources in different languages, and additional food safety information on specialty foods.ConclusionsThe information gathered from these focus groups can provide a basis for the development of resources that will meet the specific needs of public health inspectors involved in protecting and promoting food safety.

The perception of food quality. Profiling Italian consumers

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Health-related claims on food labels in Australia: understanding environmental health officers’ roles and implications for policy

“…Criteria included varied work structures, professional experience and seniority, and different levels of governments (17)(18)(19) . Environmental health officers were sought in three jurisdictions in Australia (New South Wales (NSW), Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Queensland (QLD)) to provide a range of work structures.…”

“…Research has found that officers are comfortable with their role and knowledge regulating food safety (18) . *Corresponding author: Email deannecp@uow.edu.au r The Authors 2013…”