Influence of food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of vendors in the City of Manila on microbiological quality of ready-to-drink coconut water

Abstract

The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of coconut water vendors are crucial to ensuring food safety, as inadequate food safety KAP may result in outbreaks of foodborne diseases. In addition, the public market, where these vendors are situated, is one of the most common places with inadequate sanitation, which may have an impact on the quality of the products sold. Considering these factors, the food safety KAP of coconut water vendors (n = 148) in Manila, Philippines was determined, as well as the physicochemical and microbiological qualities of coconut water samples (n = 8). The study revealed ‘fairly good’ knowledge (54.8 ± 11.6), attitude (57.3 ± 11.6), and practices (63.0 ± 12.9) for coconut water vendors. There was no correlation between the food safety KAP scores; however, marital status showed a significant correlation with knowledge. Physicochemical properties (pH: 4.96–6.64; TSS: 2.00–9.25°Bx) revealed that the samples were suitable for microbial growth and that 5 of 8 samples were not in compliance with the Philippine standards for coconut water (PNS/BAFPS 179:2016 and 28:2006). Further, microbiological analysis showed that all coconut water samples did not meet the standard limits for TPC (4.98–6.00 log CFU/ml), YMC (2.45–4.06 log CFU/ml), and coliform counts (1.97–4.22 log CFU/ml). Staphylococcus spp. counts were also detected (1.15–1.79 log CFU/ml). Coliform counts showed a significant correlation with attitudes of coconut water vendors. Based from the result, coconut water vendors need proper guidance on food safety not only to improve its food safety KAP but to ensure product safety. Local government agencies need to strengthen its campaign, enforcement, and surveillance to ensure compliance by coconut water vendors.