The prevalence of obesity around the world is increasing yearly. Dietary intake, physical inactivity, and sedentary lifestyle are the common causes of obesity. This situation has created an urge to improve a healthy eating environment in the community. Eating outside is more common nowadays especially during working hours. Workers normally will have their meal at the cafeteria. Their dietary intake is directly affected by the availability of food choices at the cafeteria. Thus, a qualitative study was conducted to identify the perceptions of healthy cafeteria among food operators in Selangor, Malaysia. Eleven food handlers at three selected cafeterias were recruited by a convenience sampling based on the inclusion criteria of the study. The respondents consist of three full-time managers, five full-time food handlers, and three full-time cleaners. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the aid of video and audio recording. The phenomenon of interest was to explore the perceptions, suggestions, challenges and limitation of healthy cafeteria practice among cafeteria operators. The interview transcripts were analysed verbatim based on the objectives and identified themes of the study. Themes include food safety, food handling course, food availability, methods of cooking, foods' hygiene and sanitation. Findings showed that most of the respondents have the similar understanding of healthy cafeteria in which includes healthy menu and clean environment. The respondents also have the knowledge on food safety. The challenges faced by the food handlers were making sure every staff has the correct understanding of healthy foods, using the safe kitchen utensils and financial constraint. Regarding promoting healthy cafeteria environment, the respondents suggested to provide printed educational materials, serve healthy menu selections, organise healthy eating campaign and provide appropriates kitchen utensils. This study revealed that training on food safety and education on healthy food choices are important to provide a healthy eating environment.
IntroductionThe prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing throughout the years in many developing countries cause by rapid social and economic growth, and it has become a serious health problem (Jan Mohamed et al., 2015). According Majid et al. (2015), the risk factors that can contribute to obesity are genetic, diet intake, physical activity, and the sedentary lifestyle. Mansor & Harun (2014) and Wolfenden et al., (2015) also supported that besides healthy food intake; regular physical activity also contributes to overall health and fitness. In a study by Strasser (2013) recommended that physical activities must be included in preventing and cure obesity. Also, Kimokoti & Millen (2011) claimed that nutrition transition could also cause the increasing number of obesity and metabolic syndrome. On the other hand, research by Davey, Allotey, & Reidpath (2013) proved that energy and food industry also play an important role in creating a healthy li...
