Perception of hygiene of food handlers and the microbiological profile in a university kitchen

The objective of this study was to analyze the perception of food handlers in relation to hygiene practices in the workplace and to correlate the findings with the results of bacteriological analyses and systematic observations in a University Restaurant in Rio de Janeiro. The perception of hygiene practices was assessed using a questionnaire with objective questions. Operational practices were analyzed through systematic observational research. The bacteriological investigation was divided into two steps to detect the presence of Coliforms at 45 ºC, Sulphite-Reducing Clostridia, Coagulase-Positive Staphylococcus and Aerobic Mesophilic Heterotrophic Bacteria on hands, personal protective equipment and utensils. The results of the perceptions of handlers regarding personal hygiene, environmental hygiene and hygiene in the preparation of food s obtained mean scores of 86.11, 96.73 and 83.76, respectively. In the bacteriological investigation of hands and protective equipment, 61.36% of samples produced positive results for the bacteria surveyed. For utensils, 25% of samples gave positive results. The conclusion is that the service has fl aws that pose health hazards to consumers.
Source: Ciencia e Saude Coletiva - Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research