Knowledge and Food Hygiene Practices among Food Handlers in Saifai Developmental Block of District Etawah: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Food safety knowledge (FSK) is the understanding of food learned from skills or schooling while food safety attitude (FSA) refers to sensation or belief about food safety, and food safety practice refers (FSP) to the act or use of food safety. In the absence of well-maintained and proper food handling practices in mass catering establishments, they have the potential to impart a disastrous effect on human health. This study was conducted with the aim to assess the knowledge and food hygiene practices among food handlers deployed in various food establishments in Saifai developmental block, Etawah district, Uttar Pradesh.Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among all (109) the food handlers above 15 years age working at all the food establishments registered or unregistered with district administration in Saifai developmental block of district Etawah from September2020-October 2020. Results: Out of 76 eligible participants, 62 (81.5%) were males as compared to females 14 (18.5%). Majority of the food handlers 36 (47.3%) were aware that disease transmission was through contaminated water followed by contaminated hands (34.2%). 68 (89.4%). Responses of males and females on various questions related to food safety practices were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05) which shows a difference in knowledge of same question in males and females.Conclusion: Food-handlers in the study area had satisfactory knowledge related to food safety, general and personal hygiene, cleaning and sanitation procedures. However, this did not translate into strict food hygiene practices. Routine medical examination of food handlers must be carried by health officers.