Predictors of knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards food safety among food handlers in Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

Considering the growing restaurant business in Bangkok, and the lack of information regarding restaurant-related foodborne diseases this study aimed to examine the food handler demographics, work-related characteristics, and employee satisfaction; and to identify the predictors of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on food safety among food handlers of various nationalities in Bangkok, Thailand. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 718 food handlers using a face-to-face interview with a structured questionnaire. Food handlers were mostly male (n = 415), from Myanmar (n = 323), with primary education (n = 238) and mean age of 28 ± 7.87 years. Almost half of them had work experience less than 2 years, and 85.38% had never received any food safety training. Most of them were satisfied with their current work including workplace environment. In this study, food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices were found to be moderate. The results revealed that work experience, a higher level of education, and employee satisfaction were predictors for the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of food safety among the food handlers included in this study. Food safety training was found to be a significant factor only for food safety practices. These findings emphasize the need for providing food safety training to food handlers, especially those with less work experience. This training should also attempt to the improving social aspects and workplace environment.