Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Al-Safat 24923, Kuwait.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Feb 8;18(4):1586. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18041586.
Safe food handling and proper hygiene practices performed by food handlers (FHs) in catering establishments are fundamental elements in reducing foodborne diseases. This study aimed at assessing food safety knowledge and compliance of hygiene practices of FHs within food establishments (using a structured questionnaire). A cross-sectional study was carried out from May 2016 to March 2018 on FHs working in community and healthcare settings. A total of 405 FHs, including 44.9% and 55.1%, were working in community and healthcare settings, respectively. The majority, 84.7%, were males with a ratio of 5.5:1. Most of them, 84.4%, had a high school education and above. A greater number, 44%, of FHs were in the age bracket of 29-39 years. As high as 95.6% of them underwent a regular medical check-up. Unsafe attitudes were shown by 44.9%% who used the same hand gloves while handling raw meat and fresh food. Additionally, 42% went home with their uniforms. The hygiene assessment score was 95.8%. In general, FHs have adequate knowledge and compliance with food safety practices. It is recommended that regular and ongoing training on hygienic practices and proper food safety techniques must be given to all FHs to ensure food safety.
食品处理人员（FHs）在餐饮场所进行安全的食品处理和适当的卫生操作，是减少食源性疾病的基本要素。本研究旨在评估食品处理人员在食品场所的食品安全知识和卫生操作规范（使用结构化问卷）。 2016 年 5 月至 2018 年 3 月，对社区和医疗机构工作的 FHs 进行了横断面研究。共有 405 名 FHs，其中分别有 44.9%和 55.1%在社区和医疗机构工作。他们中的大多数（84.7%）是男性，比例为 5.5:1。其中，84.4%的人接受过高中以上教育。更多的 FHs（44%）年龄在 29-39 岁之间。高达 95.6%的人定期进行体检。有 44.9%的人不安全的态度，即他们在处理生肉和新鲜食物时使用同一只手套。此外，有 42%的人穿着制服回家。卫生评估得分为 95.8%。总的来说，FHs 具有足够的食品安全知识和卫生操作规范。建议对所有 FHs 进行定期和持续的卫生操作和正确的食品安全技术培训，以确保食品安全。
