scholarly journals Food Safety: Does Your Kitchen Pass the Test?

EDIS ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda B. Bobroff ◽  
Jennifer Hillan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Food Safety ◽  
Foodborne Illness ◽  
Food Handling ◽  
Fact Sheet ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
Safe Food ◽  
Food Handling Practices ◽  
At Home

Older adults are at increased risk for foodborne illness. To help reduce your risk, follow safe food handling practices at home. How does your kitchen measure up? This 3-page fact sheet was written by Linda B. Bobroff and Jennifer Hillan and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, October 2013. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy926

Varying Influences of Motivation Factors on Employees' Likelihood To Perform Safe Food Handling Practices Because of Demographic Differences

2010 ◽  
Vol 73 (11) ◽  
pp. 2065-2071 ◽  
Author(s):  
JASON D. ELLIS ◽  
SUSAN W. ARENDT ◽  
CATHERINE H. STROHBEHN ◽  
JANELL MEYER ◽  
PAOLA PAEZ
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Food Service ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Food Handling ◽  
Service Employees ◽  
Motivation Factors ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
Safe Food ◽  
Food Service Employees ◽  
Food Handling Practices

Food safety training has been the primary avenue for ensuring food workers are performing proper food handling practices and thus, serving safe food. Yet, knowledge of safe food handling practices does not necessarily result in actual performance of these practices. This research identified participating food service employees' level of agreement with four factors of motivation (internal motivations, communication, reward-punishment, and resources) and determined if respondents with different demographic characteristics reported different motivating factors. Data were collected from 311 food service employees who did not have any supervisory responsibilities. Intrinsic motivation agreement scores were consistently the highest of all four motivational factors evaluated and did not differ across any of the demographic characteristics considered. In contrast, motivation agreement scores for communication, reward-punishment, and resources did differ based on respondents' gender, age, place of employment, job status, food service experience, completion of food handler course, or possession of a food safety certification. In general, respondents agreed that these motivation factors influenced their likelihood to perform various safe food handling procedures. This research begins to illustrate how employees' demographic characteristics influence their responses to various motivators, helping to clarify the complex situation of ensuring safe food in retail establishments. Future research into why employee willingness to perform varies more for extrinsic motivation than for intrinsic motivation could assist food service managers in structuring employee development programs and the work environment, in a manner that aids in improving external motivation (communication, reward-punishment, and resources) and capitalizing on internal motivation.

Behavioral Observation and Microbiological Analysis of Older Adult Consumers' Cross-Contamination Practices in a Model Domestic Kitchen

2018 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
pp. 569-581 ◽  
Author(s):  
ELLEN W. EVANS ◽  
ELIZABETH C. REDMOND
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Food Safety ◽  
Behavioral Observation ◽  
Microbiological Analysis ◽  
Cross Contamination ◽  
Microbiological Contamination ◽  
Food Handling ◽  
Safety Practices ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
Food Handling Practices

ABSTRACT The incidence of foodborne illness is higher in older adults because of their increased susceptibility; therefore, food safety practices are important. However, inadequate knowledge and negative attitudes toward food safety have been reported, which may increase use of unsafe food handling practices. Data on the actual food safety behaviors of older adults are lacking. In this study, food safety practices of older adults were observed and linked to microbiological analysis of kitchen surfaces to identify suspected routes of contamination. Older adults (≥60 years, n = 100) prepared a set meal in a model domestic kitchen sanitized according to a validated protocol to ensure minimal and consistent microbiological loads. Food safety behaviors were observed using ceiling-mounted cameras and recorded using a predetermined behavioral checklist. Surface microbiological contamination also was determined after food preparation. Overall, older adults frequently implemented unsafe food handling practices; 90% failed to implement adequate hand decontamination immediately after handling raw chicken. For older adults who used a larger number of adequate hand decontamination attempts, microbiological contamination levels in the kitchen following the food preparation session were significantly lower (P < 0.001). The novel utilization of behavioral observation in conjunction with microbiological analysis facilitated identification of potentially unsafe food handling practices as suspected routes of microbiological cross-contamination in a model domestic kitchen. Findings indicate the potential impact on domestic food safety of unsafe food handling practices used by older adult consumers. This innovative approach revealed that a large proportion of older adults implement behaviors resulting in microbiological cross-contamination that may increase the risk of foodborne illness in the home.

Discovery and Development of Educational Strategies To Encourage Safe Food Handling Behaviors in Cancer Patients

2008 ◽  
Vol 71 (8) ◽  
pp. 1666-1672 ◽  
Author(s):  
LYDIA C. MEDEIROS ◽  
GANG CHEN ◽  
VIRGINIA N. HILLERS ◽  
PATRICIA A. KENDALL
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Educational Resource ◽  
Food Handling ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
Safe Food ◽  
Food Handling Practices ◽  
Risk Reducing ◽  
Foodborne Infections

Foodborne infections pose a threat to cancer patients who are immunocompromised because of disease or medical therapy. Comprehensive food safety education can raise cancer patients' awareness of risk for foodborne infections and encourage risk-reducing behavior. The objectives of this study were to assess food safety informational needs of cancer patients and to determine factors that may influence prospective educational interventions that foster risk-reducing behaviors. Focus groups with cancer patients were formed, and interviews with health professionals working with cancer patients were conducted. Findings were used to develop three educational resource prototypes for cancer patients. Information from two additional focus groups and interviews with cancer patients was used to evaluate the prototypes before revision and finalization. There was a general awareness among focus group participants that chemotherapy increased their susceptibility to foodborne illness and infections. Participants had a basic knowledge of safe food handling practices but did not necessarily link their awareness of increased susceptibility for infection with their routine food handling practices. When informed of specific high-risk foods, there was skepticism about compliance due to disbelief of the risk, personal preferences for the high-risk food, and lack of information about how to use the recommendation. Most of the health care providers agreed that food safety information should be provided by dietitians, physicians, and nurses, but physicians stated they had little time to do so. Cancer patients expressed positive attitudes toward the educational resource prototypes and willingness to follow the food safety recommendations provided.

scholarly journals Small Farm Food Safety, Fresh Produce: Part 2 - The Buck Stops Here

EDIS ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 2007 (20) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Lapinski ◽  
Amy Simonne ◽  
Marilyn E. Swisher
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Fresh Produce ◽  
Foodborne Illness ◽  
Small Farm ◽  
Food Handling ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
Food Handling Practices

FCS8843, a 6-page factsheet by Brian Lapinski, Amy Simonne, and M.E. Swisher, presents four different scenarios involving cases of foodborne illness causing unsafe food handling practices and provides discussion questions and analysis. Published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, October 2007. FCS8843/FY967: Small Farm Food Safety, Fresh Produce—Part 2: The Buck Stops Here (ufl.edu) Ask IFAS: Small Farm Food Safety series (ufl.edu)

scholarly journals A pilot study on assessing the sustainability of food safety and hygienic practices in street food handling system

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Krishnasree ◽  
P. V. Nethra ◽  
J. Dheeksha ◽  
M.S. Madumitha ◽  
R. Vidyaeswari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Microbial Contamination ◽  
Food Handlers ◽  
Food Handling ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Street Food ◽  
Handling System ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
Safe Food ◽  
Food Handling Practices

Street food vending units are on a rise in the country as they offer less expensive and a variety of delicacies to the consumer. It also supports the economy of the country as street foods are gathering a lot of attention through food tourism as well. On the other hand, a large number of population is thriving on it as a means of livelihood. However, the safety and hygienic practices followed in these food vending system requires large reforms. In this regard, the present study was undertaken to understand the awareness of street food handlers on food safety and to determine the microbial contamination of the street foods. The current investigation revealed that even though, majority of the food vendors were aware of the safe food handling practices, it was not followed appropriately during food preparation which resulted in higher levels of microbial contamination in their produce. The study also throws light on the methods that could achieve a sustainable food safety in the street food vending systems in the country.

Food Safety in Family Homes in Melbourne, Australia

2004 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 818-822 ◽  
Author(s):  
TERESA Z. MITAKAKIS ◽  
MARTHA I. SINCLAIR ◽  
CHRISTOPHER K. FAIRLEY ◽  
PAMELA K. LIGHTBODY ◽  
KARIN LEDER ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Food Storage ◽  
Health Food ◽  
Food Handling ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Egg Storage ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
Raw Foods ◽  
Food Handling Practices ◽  
Cutting Boards

Poor food handling practices in the home are a likely cause of gastroenteritis. This study examined how often reported practices in Australian homes met public health food safety recommendations. During 1998 in Melbourne, Australia, food handling and food storage questionnaires were completed by an adult member in 524 and 515 families, respectively. Each family consisted of at least two adults and two children. Respondents were surveyed regarding washing of hands, cutting boards, and fresh produce; use of kitchen cloths; egg storage; where cooked foods were cooled; the duration before refrigeration of cooked foods; where food types were positioned in the refrigerator; and the method of thawing chicken. Nearly every household reported handling food in a way that could cause food to become contaminated. Overall, 99.0% of respondents reported some form of mishandling, which encompassed 70.3% who handled food preparation surfaces poorly, 46.6% who did not wash their hands appropriately or in a timely manner, 41.7% who mishandled raw foods, and 70.1% who mishandled cooked foods. Food was inappropriately located in the refrigerator by 81.2%, and chicken was thawed using unsafe means by 76.3% of respondents. People preparing food in the home need to be reminded of the increased risk of disease that can arise from poor food handling practices.

Food Safety Self-Reported Behaviors and Cognitions of Young Adults: Results of a National Study

2007 ◽  
Vol 70 (8) ◽  
pp. 1917-1926 ◽  
Author(s):  
CAROL BYRD-BREDBENNER ◽  
JACLYN MAURER ◽  
VIRGINIA WHEATLEY ◽  
DONALD SCHAFFNER ◽  
CHRISTINE BRUHN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Food Safety ◽  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
National Study ◽  
Foodborne Disease ◽  
Food Handling ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
Safe Food ◽  
Food Handling Practices

With limited opportunities to learn safe food handling via observation, many young adults lack the knowledge needed to keep them safe from foodborne disease. It is important to reach young adults with food safety education because of their current and future roles as caregivers. With a nationwide online survey, the demographic characteristics, self-reported food handling and consumption behaviors, food safety beliefs, locus of control, self-efficacy, stage of change, and knowledge of young adults with education beyond high school (n = 4,343) were assessed. Young adults (mean age, 19.92 ± 1.67 SD) who participated were mainly female, white, never married, and freshmen or sophomores. Participants correctly answered 60% of the knowledge questions and were most knowledgeable about groups at greatest risk for foodborne disease and least knowledgeable about common food sources of foodborne disease pathogens. They reported less than optimal levels of safe food handling practices. Young adults generally had a limited intake of foods that increase the risk of foodborne disease, positive food safety beliefs, an internal food safety locus of control, and confidence in their ability to handle food safely, and they were contemplating an improvement in, or preparing to improve, their food handling practices. Females significantly outperformed males on nearly all study measures. Future food safety educational efforts should focus on increasing knowledge and propelling young adults into the action stage of safe food handling, especially males. Efforts to improve knowledge and, ultimately, food safety behaviors are essential to safeguard the health of these young adults and enable them to fulfill the role of protecting the health of their future families.

Evaluating food safety risk messages in popular cookbooks

2017 ◽  
Vol 119 (5) ◽  
pp. 1116-1129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrina Levine ◽  
Ashley Chaifetz ◽  
Benjamin Chapman
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Foodborne Illness ◽  
Cross Contamination ◽  
Food Handling ◽  
Safety Behavior ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
Food Handling Practices

Purpose Medeiros et al. (2001) estimate 3.5 million cases of foodborne illness in the USA annually are associated with inadequate cooking of animal foods or cross-contamination from these foods. Past research shows home food handling practices can be risk factors for foodborne illness. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the communication of food safety guidance, specifically safe endpoint temperatures and cross-contamination risk reduction practices, in popular cookbook recipes. Design/methodology/approach Recipes containing raw animal ingredients in 29 popular cookbooks were evaluated through content analysis for messages related to safe endpoint temperature recommendations and reducing cross-contamination risks. Findings Of 1,749 recipes meeting study criteria of cooking raw animal ingredients, 1,497 contained a raw animal that could effectively be measured with a digital thermometer. Only 123 (8.2 percent) of these recipes included an endpoint temperature, of which 89 (72.3 percent) gave a correct temperature. Neutral and positive food safety behavior messages were provided in just 7.2 percent (n=126) and 5.1 percent (n=90) of recipes, respectively. When endpoint temperatures were not included, authors often provided subjective and risky recommendations. Research limitations/implications Further research is needed on the effect of these results on consumer behavior and to develop interventions for writing recipes with better food safety guidance. Practical implications Including correct food safety guidance in cookbooks may increase the potential of reducing the risk of foodborne illness. Originality/value Popular cookbooks are an underutilized avenue for communicating safe food handling practices and currently cookbook authors are risk amplifiers.

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