Food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices of restaurant food handlers in a lower‐middle‐income country

Abstract

Global research attention appears to be focused predominantly on self‐reported than observed food safety practices. The purpose of this study was to determine the food safety knowledge, attitudes, and self‐reported and observed practices of food handlers in 22 urban restaurants in Zimbabwe. A piloted questionnaire was used to gather qualitative data regarding socio‐demographic variables, food safety knowledge (FSK), attitudes, and self‐reported food handling practices (SRFHPs). A predesigned checklist was used to observe the food handling practices. FSK scores were significantly higher in food handlers who received basic food safety training compared to those who did not (p < .05). No differences in food safety knowledge and attitudes were noted based on the socio‐demographic characteristics of the food handlers (p > .05). A significant positive correlation was observed between FSK and attitudes (rs = 0.371, p < .05), FSK and SRFHPs (rs = 0.242, p < 0.05), FSK and observed food handling practices (OFHPs) (rs = 0.254, p < .05), attitudes and SRFPs (rs = 0.229, p < .05), and attitudes and OFHPs (rs = 0.263, p < .05). About half of the food handlers washed their hands in sinks meant for washing cutlery, 57% did not use approved hand drying methods, and 19.8% did not adequately thaw frozen foods. Food was commonly defrosted either under room temperature or using hot water (>45°C). Results suggest a need for mandatory basic and advanced training to improve the food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

Food safety practices of food handlers at home engaged in online food businesses during COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines

“…This is the case since the ability to work in teams, which is the characteristic of feminine cultures, and the focus on getting the work accomplished, which is typical of masculine cultures, are both significant in food safety. The large number of female food handlers is consistent with reports from similar past studies ( Lee et al., 2017 ; Ncube et al., 2020 ). Almost all of the respondents are single, which is an indication that they can perform any of the following tasks using their own time: food supply chain, post products online, answer queries of the customers, and deliver the products.…”

“…The computed value shows that the level of education of the online food handlers does not affect their FSP. Such a finding was similarly revealed in the studies conducted by Angolo (2011) , Ncube et al. (2020) , Stein et al.…”

“…Almost half of the respondents practice PH when preparing food at home like washing hands before and after preparing food (2.31 ​± ​0.80), washing hands after handling garbage (2.11 ​± ​0.87), covering mouth when sneezing and coughing (2.17 ​± ​1.00), and changing clothing and apron when they get dirty (2.16 ​± ​0.93), which are sometimes practiced. With these ratings, it is apparent that the respondents practice proper hygiene; a finding that is supported by studies, which found out that food handlers at home prioritize PH in food preparation ( Adane et al., 2018 , Moy et al., 1997 ; Ncube et al., 2020 ; Woldt, 2015 ). Giving importance to PH is required to ensure that food is safely prepared and brought to the consumers.…”

Determinants of hand hygiene practice at critical times among food handlers in educational institutions in Sagnarigu Municipality of Ghana: A cross-sectional study

“…Positive correlation between food handlers' food safety knowledge, attitude and practice are reported in previous studies. 59,60 Another study in Saudi Arabia found a positive correlation between knowledge, attitudes and personal hygiene. 61 Evidence from this study suggests the need to strengthen food handlers knowledge and attitudes to help improve food handlers hand hygiene practices.…”

Determinants of Hand Hygiene Practice at Critical Times among Food Handlers in Educational Institutions of the Sagnarigu Municipality of Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Positive correlations between food handlers' food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices have also been reported in previous studies. 59,60 Another study in Saudi Arabia found positive correlations between knowledge, attitudes and personal hygiene. 61 Evidence from this study suggests the need to strengthen food handlers' knowledge and attitudes to help improve food handlers' hand hygiene practice.…”