A Study into knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards Food Safety Issues among Informal Food Handlers in Bindura town.

Author

Mugabe, Ireen.

Title

A Study into knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards Food Safety Issues among Informal Food Handlers in Bindura town.

Abstract

Ensuring food safety is of critical importance to public health, food handlers have a significant influence on the prevention of foodborne illnesses because their knowledge, attitudes, and practices, can directly affect food safety. The study aimed to assess informal food handlers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to food safety in Bindura. The researcher wanted to understand how the informal food handlers' KAP might be impacting the occurrence of foodborne illnesses in the area. The goal was to identify gaps in food safety knowledge and practices, and then use those insights to recommend strategies for improving food safety standards.
A cross-sectional survey was carried out among n=30 food handler’s, 26 being female. Data was collected through a questionnaire that evaluated participant’s knowledge of food protection principles, their opinions regarding food safety as well as their self-reported methods for managing food. The findings showed that informal food handlers had a moderately high level of awareness about food safety, with the majority demonstrating a good understanding of key concepts such as personal hygiene, and proper food handling scoring 96.7%. However gaps in knowledge where identified in specific areas, such as cross-contamination prevention scoring 43.3%.The data also showed positive attitudes towards food safety practices , Eighty percent of participants decided that it is significant to observe food protection protocols for the public health and to prevent illnesses caused by food.
Despite the positive attitudes, the analysis of self-reported food handling practices indicated that a considerable number (60%) of food handlers do not use gloves when handling food and respondents admitted to occasional lapses in their food safety practices, including working when sick, reusing oil and cutting raw and cooked food on the same board without rinsing it.
The necessity of focused and efficient food safety education is highlighted by these findings and training interventions to increase the competency of informal food handlers and are expected to contribute to better food safety policies and training programs. Recommendations include enhancing food safety programs, strengthening monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, and fostering a stronger food safety culture within food service establishments.

Date

May 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Knowledge, attitudes and practices

Informal Food Handlers

Food-borne illnesses

Bindura town Zimbabwe

Supervisor

Mr. Nyamugure,