Knowledge of Safe Food Temperature among Restaurant Supervisors in Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Mohammed Al-Mohaithef,Amal Yousef Abdelwahed,Syed Taha Abidi,Musaad Alruwaili,Efstathios Giaouris,Nargis Begum Javed

doi:10.1155/2021/2231371

Mohammed Al-Mohaithef, Amal Yousef Abdelwahed + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/2231371

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Abstract

Foodborne diseases are usually caused by consuming foods that are stored at an inappropriate temperature. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge of safe food temperature control among restaurant supervisors of Dammam city, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was carried out during January 2019 to May 2019. A close-ended questionnaire was used to assess knowledge and source of information about food temperature control from restaurant supervisors. The response rate of the study was 97 (80.8%). Demographic profile and knowledge scores of restaurant supervisors are reported as percentage. Chi-square test was used to compare group differences in knowledge.pvalue <0.05 was considered significant. Restaurant supervisors had good knowledge about safe temperature for cold food (93.8%) and storing food in the freezer (83.5%) and in the refrigerator (79.4%), while they had poor knowledge of safe temperature for hot food (14.4%) and the range of temperature in which bacteria grow rapidly (danger zone temperature) in food (15.5%). All restaurant supervisors reported food and environmental inspector as their main source of information about food temperature control. Restaurant supervisors’ education level and place of work showed a significant association with safe temperature for storing food in the refrigerator and the best method to check safe cooking temperature. The high percentage of lack in the knowledge of safe temperature control for hot foods and danger zone temperature among restaurant supervisors is of great concern for public health as it exposes the customers to foodborne illnesses. The study results emphasize on the necessity to conduct education and training programs for restaurant supervisors to improve the quality of food served to consumers and protect them from foodborne illnesses and food poisoning.

Highlights

Foodborne diseases (FBDs) are caused by the consumption of contaminated food, which, in turn, can be a result of storage at an inappropriate temperature. ey are a major public health problem in developing countries and in developed countries
Another study reported that the FBD outbreaks from households and commercial sources in Saudi Arabia decreased from 264 in 2010 to 255 in 2011, but the cases of FBD increased from 1647 ill people and one death in 2010 to 2066 people in 2011. e study claimed that commercial sources were responsible for 62% of those who fell ill [4]
Occasional foodborne disease outbreaks were reported during Hajj when pilgrims were hospitalized in Madinah complaining of vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea after eating food prepared by the caterer [5,6,7]

Summary

Introduction

Foodborne diseases (FBDs) are caused by the consumption of contaminated food, which, in turn, can be a result of storage at an inappropriate temperature. ey are a major public health problem in developing countries and in developed countries. E supervisors working in international restaurants showed a significantly higher level of knowledge regarding safe temperature for storing food in the refrigerator (44 (57.1%) vs 33 (42.9%); p 0.005) and for storing food in the freezer (48 (59.3%) vs 33 (40.7%); p 0.0001), the best method to check the safe cooking temperature (45 (72.6%) vs 17 (27.4%); p 0.0001), and time for which cooked food can be kept safely at room temperature before refrigeration (36 (80%) vs 9 (20%); p 0.0001).

Results

Conclusion