Desperdicio de alimentos en comedores escolares de una región de la zona centro sur de Chile: Percepciones de manipuladoras de alimentos del Programa de Alimentación Escolar

Introducción: Los desperdicios de alimentos en los comedores escolares son un problema que afecta al uso de recursos naturales, humanos y económicos. Objetivo: Identificar las opiniones y percepciones de manipuladoras de alimentos sobre factores relacionados al desperdicio de alimentos y posibles estrategias para disminuirlo en comedores escolares del Programa de Alimentación Escolar de la Junta Nacional de Auxilio Escolar y Becas en Chile. Métodos: Diseño cualitativo mediante técnica de grupos focales, con 33 participantes. Se aplicó un protocolo de investigación cualitativo que incluyó consentimiento informado, caracterización sociodemográfica, pauta de observación y guion con las dimensiones exploradas. Cada grupo contó con moderador experto y un observador. Se grabó y transcribió el audio de cada sesión y se analizó mediante ATLAS. Ti, versión 8. Resultados: Según las manipuladoras, los alimentos menos consumidos por los estudiantes son las legumbres, verduras frescas, productos marinos y algunas salsas. Estiman que el desperdicio de alimentos oscila entre los 25 a 100 Kilos al día. Las mujeres identifican factores claves en el rechazo de los alimentos por parte de los escolares; estética, olor y sabor del plato; repetitividad del menú; y aspectos culturales. Como estrategias para reducir el desperdicio proponen variar el menú, incorporar alimentos conocidos por los escolares, educar a los padres en la importancia de ofrecer alimentos y preparaciones saludables y sostenibles; fomentar la participación de toda la comunidad educativa en el proceso alimentario. Conclusiones: El estudio reveló que el desperdicio de alimentos en los comedores escolares es un problema complejo que requiere una intervención multidimensional que involucre a todos los actores del sistema alimentario escolar.

Introduction: Food waste in school canteens is a problem that affects the use of natural, human and economic resources. Objective: Identify the opinions and perceptions of food handlers about food waste factors and possible strategies to reduce them in school canteens of the School Feeding Programme of the Junta Nacional de Auxilio Escolar y Becas in Chile. Methods: Qualitative design using a focus group technique with 33 participants. A qualitative research protocol that included informed consent, sociodemographic characterisation, observation guidelines, and a script with the dimensions explored was applied. Each group had an expert moderator and an observer. The audio of each session was recorded, transcribed, and analysed using ATLAS. Ti, version 8. Results: According to the handlers, the foods least consumed by the students are legumes, fresh vegetables, seafood, and some sauces. They estimate that food waste ranges from 25 to 100 kg per day. Women identify critical factors in the rejection of food by schoolchildren: aesthetics, smell, and taste of the dish; repetitiveness of the menu; and cultural aspects. As strategies to reduce waste, they propose varying the menu, incorporating foods familiar to schoolchildren, educating parents about the importance of offering healthy and sustainable food and preparations, and encouraging the participation of the entire educational community in the food process. Conclusions: The study revealed that food waste in school canteens is a complex problem that requires a multidimensional intervention that involves all actors in the school food system.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Self-reported practices Questionnaire on Pureed Diet Preparation (KAP DYS Puree) among Food Handlers in Malaysian Hospitals for Dysphagia Management: Development, Validity, and Reliability Testing

@#Introduction: This methodological research study aimed to measure content validity and reliability of a newly developed questionnaire of knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practices towards pureed diet preparation (KAP DYS Puree) among hospital food handlers for dysphagia management. Methods: The study was conducted through face validation, content validation, content reliability and construct validation. A cross-sectional design with convenience sampling was carried out involving 4 panels for face validation, 10 raters for content validity and 161 food handlers participated for Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), while 30 food handlers were involved for test-retest reliability. The questionnaire which consisted of 40 items distributed into 3 domains and was assessed and analyzed using modified kappa (k*) for reliability. Results: Content Validity Index revealed the following I-CVI values: knowledge = 0.915, attitudes = 0.922 and self-reported practices = 0.900 and modified kappa values (k*) knowledge = 0.983, attitudes = 0.9214 and self-reported practices = 0.899. The EFA was employed for two dimensions which were self-reported practices and attitudes based on principal axis of factoring with varimax rotation. The factor analysis yielded two factors with a total of 10 items in the attitudes domain and two factors with a total of 9 items in the self-reported practices domain that had satisfactory factor loading (> 0.3). The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) values for attitudes = 0.816 and self-reported practices = 0.776. Bartlett’s test of sphericity was significant at p < 0.0001 for attitudes and self-reported practices indicating the suitability of this data for factor analysis. Interclass Correlation Index (ICC) values for attitudes = 0.739 and self-reported practices = 0.789. Conclusion: This instrument can be used as a need assessment tool in the development of a comprehensive training module for pureed diet preparations in dysphagia management.

Underlying factors influencing street food vendors' implementation of food safety behaviours

This study aimed to determine the underlying factors influencing street food vendors' implementation of food safety behaviours related to food handling. A questionnaire based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour was applied to 303 street food vendors in Southern Brazil. Open-ended questions identified that consequences related to consumers were important factors influencing street food vendors' food safety behaviour. Also, water supply and lack of water were identified, respectively, as possible facilitators and barriers to carry out food safety behaviours such as handwashing and cleaning the shelf used to prepare food. Optimistic bias was identified and the majority of street food vendors gave positive results related to perceived behavioural control, subjective norm, attitude and behavioural intention. Improvements are needed in government regulation, infrastructure and food safety training for this sector, with measures that reflect and are adapted to the street food environment.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar los factores subyacentes que influyen en la implementación del comportamiento de seguridad de los alimentos en la manipulación de alimentos por vendedores ambulantes de alimentos. Se aplicó un cuestionario basado en la Teoría del Comportamiento Planificado a 303 vendedores ambulantes de alimentos en el sur de Brasil. Las preguntas abiertas identificaron que las consecuencias relacionadas con los consumidores eran factores importantes que influían en el comportamiento de seguridad de los alimentos por parte de los vendedores ambulantes de alimentos. También se identificaron el suministro de agua y la falta de agua, respectivamente, como posibles facilitadores y barreras para realizar comportamientos de seguridad de los alimentos como lavarse las manos y limpiar la mesa de trabajo que utilizan para preparar los alimentos. Se identificó sesgo optimista y la mayoría de los vendedores ambulantes de alimentos dieron resultados positivos relacionados con el control conductual percibido, la norma subjetiva, la actitud y la intención de comportamiento. Se necesitan mejoras en la regulación gubernamental, la infraestructura y la capacitación en seguridad de los alimentos para el sector, con medidas que reflejen y se adapten al entorno de la comida callejera.

Evaluación del cumplimiento de las Buenas Prácticas de Manufactura (BPM) en fundaciones sociales de la Región Metropolitana de Chile

RESUMEN Las Enfermedades Transmitidas por Alimentos (ETA) son causadas por el consumo de alimentos o agua contaminada, debido a las malas prácticas en el manejo causando daño a la salud de las personas. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el porcentaje de cumplimiento de las Buenas Prácticas de Manufacturas (BPM) basado en el Reglamento Sanitario de los Alimentos de Chile, de diferentes fundaciones sociales pertenecientes de la Región Metropolitana de Chile. El diseño de estudio fue descriptivo, en una muestra intencionada y no probabilística de 12 fundaciones sociales de la Región Metropolitana de Chile. Se aplicó in situ la lista de chequeo de las BPM versión 04, código 834 - PR02- INS2. De acuerdo al porcentaje de cumplimiento de 4 factores críticos de las BPM de las 12 fundaciones sociales de la Región Metropolitana, se observó que sólo 3 de las fundaciones cumplen con el 100% de los 4 factores críticos. En relación al porcentaje de cumplimiento general de las BPM, se examinó que el 50% de ellas cumplió con el 70% o más de acuerdo al requerimiento del Ministerio de Salud de Chile. Existe un bajo cumplimiento de las Buenas Prácticas Manufacturas en las 12 fundaciones evaluadas de la Región Metropolitana de Chile, principalmente en la higiene personal y en capacitación además de solo cumplir con el factor crítico Nº1. Por lo tanto, se debe capacitar a las fundaciones y establecer procedimientos escritos para así disminuir y evitar enfermedades transmitidas por los alimentos y garantizar la inocuidad alimentaria.

ABSTRACT Foodborne Diseases (FBD) are caused by the consumption of contaminated food or water, due to poor practices in food handling, causing damage to people's health. The objective of this study was to determine the percentage of compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) according to the Food Sanitary Regulations of Chile, of different social foundations belonging to the Metropolitan Region of Chile. The study design was descriptive, in an intentional and non-probabilistic sample of 12 social foundations in the Metropolitan Region of Chile. The GMP checklist version 04, code 834 - PR02-INS2, was applied in situ. According to the percentage of compliance with the 4 critical factors of the GMP of the 12 social foundations of the Metropolitan Region, it was observed that only 3 of the foundations comply with 100% of the 4 critical factors. In relation to the percentage of general compliance with the GMP, it was examined that 50% of them complied with 70% or more in accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Health of Chile. There was low compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices in the 12 foundations evaluated in the Metropolitan Region of Chile, mainly in personal hygiene and training, in addition to only complying with critical factor Nº1. Therefore, foundations should be trained and written procedures must be established in order to reduce and prevent foodborne illnesses and guarantee food safety.

Characterization of the virulence, agr typing and antimicrobial resistance profile of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from food handlers in Brazil

Abstract Staphylococcus aureus is one of the main pathogens associated with foodborne outbreaks in Brazil and food handlers can carry toxigenic and resistant S. aureus strains. The aims of this study were to verify the frequency of virulence genes, to identify the agr groups and to determine the antimicrobial resistance profile of S. aureus strains isolated from food handlers of pilot kitchens located in São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 74 strains of the Staphylococcus genus were detected and 50% were identified as of the species S. aureus. The enterotoxin genes detection, tst and luk-PV detection, agr typing, mecA detection, ccr complex detection and SCCmec typing were performed using PCR. The antimicrobial resistance testing was performed by the disk diffusion method. The enterotoxin genes were identified in 36 S. aureus, including sea (83.8%). The tst gene was detected in 18.92% of the strains and the luk-PV was detected in only one isolate. Agr typing classified 58.3% of the strains as type I. Seven (18.92%) strains were classified as MRSA and the ccr2 complex was detected in six of these isolates. The SCCmec typing characterized strains as type II, III, IV and V. Moreover, there were also a greater number of resistant strains to penicillin (83.78%) and clarithromycin (67.57%). In conclusion, the study revealed a significant prevalence of S. aureus, and the presence of different virulence genes and a worrying resistance profile in S. aureus strains isolated from food handlers in this country.

Food safety knowledge, attitude, and hygiene practices of street-cooked food handlers in North Dayi District, Ghana

BACKGROUND@#Food safety and hygiene are currently a global health apprehension especially in unindustrialized countries as a result of increasing food-borne diseases (FBDs) and accompanying deaths. This study aimed at assessing knowledge, attitude, and hygiene practices (KAP) of food safety among street-cooked food handlers (SCFHs) in North Dayi District, Ghana.@*METHODS@#This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on 407 SCFHs in North Dayi District, Ghana. The World Health Organization's Five Keys to Safer Food for food handlers and a pretested structured questionnaire were adapted for data collection among stationary SCFHs along principal streets. Significant parameters such as educational status, average monthly income, registered SCFHs, and food safety training course were used in bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models to calculate the power of the relationships observed.@*RESULTS@#The majority 84.3% of SCFHs were female and 56.0% had not attended a food safety training course. This study showed that 67.3%, 58.2%, and 62.9% of SCFHs had good levels of KAP of food safety, respectively. About 87.2% showed a good attitude of separating uncooked and prepared meal before storage. Good knowledge of food safety was 2 times higher among registered SCFHs compared to unregistered [cOR=1.64, p=0.032]. SCFHs with secondary education were 4 times good at hygiene practices of food safety likened to no education [aOR=4.06, p=0.003]. Above GHc1500 average monthly income earners were 5 times good at hygiene practices of food safety compared to below GHc500 [aOR=4.89, p=0.006]. Registered SCFHs were 8 times good at hygiene practice of food safety compared to unregistered [aOR=7.50, p<0.001]. The odd for good hygiene practice of food safety was 6 times found among SCFHs who had training on food safety courses likened to those who had not [aOR=5.97, p<0.001].@*CONCLUSIONS@#Over half of the SCFHs had good levels of KAP of food safety. Registering as SCFH was significantly associated with good knowledge and hygiene practices of food safety. Therefore, our results may present an imperative foundation for design to increase food safety and hygiene practice in the district, region, and beyond.

Factors associated with food safety knowledge and practices among meat handlers in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND@#Food handlers can play a vital role into reducing foodborne diseases by adopting appropriate food handling and sanitation practices in working plants. This study aimed to assess the factors associated with food safety knowledge and practices among meat handlers who work at butcher shops in Bangladesh.@*METHODS@#A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 meat handlers from January to March, 2021. Data were collected through in-person interviews using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of three parts; socio-demographic characteristics, assessments of food safety knowledge, and food safety practices. A multiple logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with food safety knowledge and practices.@*RESULTS@#Only 20% [95% confidence interval, (CI) 15.7-24.7] and 16.3% (95% CI 12.3-20.7) of the respondents demonstrated good levels of food safety knowledge and practices, respectively. The factors associated with good levels of food safety knowledge were: having a higher secondary education [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.57, 95% CI 1.11-18.76], income above 25,000 BDT/month (AOR = 10.52, 95% CI 3.43-32.26), work experience of > 10 years (AOR = 9.31, 95% CI 1.92-45.09), ≥ 8 h per day of work (AOR = 6.14, 95% CI 2.69-13.10), employed on a daily basis (AOR = 4.05, 95% CI 1.16-14.14), and having food safety training (AOR = 8.98 95% CI 2.16-37.32). Good food safety knowledge (AOR = 5.68, 95% CI 2.33-13.87) and working ≥ 8 h per day (AOR = 8.44, 95% CI 3.11-22.91) were significantly associated with a good level of food safety practice.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Poor knowledge and practices regarding food safety were found among Bangladeshi meat handlers. Findings may help public health professionals and practitioners develop targeted strategies to improve food safety knowledge and practices among this population. Such strategies may include education and sensitization on good food safety practices.

Intestinal Parasites and Salmonella typhi Infection among Food-handlers in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

Background: Intestinal parasites andSalmonellainfections are of main public health concerns in Nigeria and the world, especially in developing countries where access to safe water and hygienic food handling practices by food handlers is a challenge. Consequently, food-handlers play a major role in the transmission of these types of foodborne diseases.Objective: This study was to determine the preponderance of intestinal parasites and Salmonella typhiamong food-handlers in selected areas in Port Harcourt.Materials and Methods: A total of 480 food-handlers (195 males and 285 females) of various educational levels were sampled. Stool samples were collected and analyses were carried out using direct smear examination and formol-ether concentration technique -adopted for nvestigation of intestinal parasites and deoxycholate citrate agar and Salmonella-Shigella agar for the cultivation of Salmonella typhi.Results:Of 480 food-handlers examined, comprisesof 195(40.6%) males and 285(59.4%) females,-majority (85.4%) were young adults aged 20-40 years. 47.9% of them -had education above secondary educational level. The preponderance of intestinal parasites was 48(10.0%) and implicated were Ascaris lumbricoides(41.7%), hookworm (33.3%) and Trichuris trichiura(25.0%). No intestinal protozoa were identified. Prevalence of 30(6.3%) was recorded for Salmonella typhi.Conclusion:Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and S.typhi infection is relatively low among food handlers in Port Harcourt, but indicates the important role food handlers play in the transmission of the infection. Therefore, awareness should be step-up forthe food handlers to avoid escalation of these infections

Food Safety Knowledge and Practices among Food Handlers in Food Street Lahore

Background: Food safety can be defined as the confidence degree that the food will not cause any harm or sickness to the consumer when it is prepared, served and consumed based on its intended use. A secure food is a food that is physically, chemically and biologically ready to be consumed when it is prepared according to its main purpose and does not loses its nutritional value. Aim of Study: The purpose of this study to assess the knowledge and practices regarding food safety among the food handlers. Method: A descriptive cross sectional survey based study was conducted in Food Street, ShahiQilaha, Lahore. Convenience sampling technique was used to collect the data from respondents. Closed ended questionnaire was used. Data was gathered from food handlers working in Food Street, Shahi Qilaha, Lahore. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data and descriptive statistics applied. Result: In our study, almost all of the food-handlers were aware of the critical role of general sanitary practices in the work place, such as using gloves (88.0%). On disease transmission, 56.0% of the food- handlers had knew that Salmonella is a food borne pathogens and 74.0% were known that hepatitis A is a food borne pathogen, 44.0% respondents knew about the AIDS transmitted by food. Only 56.0% participants knew the temperature of 65° should keep for ready food and this knowledge with their experience. Conclusion: In generally the food handlers have satisfactory knowledge in the areas of food safety, personal hygiene and sanitation procedures. But they do not use strict hygienic practices during processing and handling food products. The most important issues are the lack of knowledge regarding refrigeration temperatures, lack of knowledge concerning cross-contamination and its control.

Awareness of vaccine cold chain handlers about vaccine cold chain in district Etawah

Background: Vaccine potency can be lost when exposed to non-recommended temperatures. Hence for the proper running of the universal immunization programme (UIP) factors like vaccine cold chain and vaccine management wants great focus and attention skills and knowledge of the vaccine cold chain handlers so for good implementation of UIP vaccine cold chain handlers are important.Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study. Study duration was carried out from October 2017 to March 2018. All the 16 cold chain handlers of district Etawah were interviewed.Results: All 16 (100.0%) were male and 1 (6.3%), 2 (12.5%), 8 (50.0%) and 5 (31.3%) of the respondents were high schools, intermediate, graduate, and post-graduate respectively. It had been observed that the hundred percent of the cold chain handlers with the knowledge of vaccine cold chain. It has been observed from the study that 15 (93.7%) cold chain handlers had knowledge of temperature range for vaccine storage.Conclusions: Quality of immunization program depends upon cold chain management at peripheral health institutions. In our study, we have found that most of the vaccine handlers were reported to have appropriate knowledge regarding the cold chain.

Association of knowledge on waste handling and use of personal protective equipment among waste handlers

Background: Waste is generally known as unwanted or unusual materials. Municipal solid waste handling and disposal is a growing environmental and public health concern in a developing country. Objective: This study was designed to assess the association of knowledge on waste handling and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among waste handlers. Materials and Methods: The populations of the study were the waste handlers of Rupandehi district. A total of 138 samples were taken using nonprobability purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using pretested semi-structured questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistical method such as frequency and percentage in SPSS version 16; Chi-square test was applied to see association. Results: The mean age of the respondent was 34.63 ± 9.03 years and most (93.5%) of them were male. Majority of them (91.3%) had the knowledge to use mask, whereas 89.9% of them used mask while handling the waste. About two-third (63.8%) of the respondents answered the cause of the disease is poor hygiene and sanitation. In bivariate analysis, age, sex, and training are statistically significant with the knowledge on waste handling and use of PPE. Conclusion: Most of the waste handlers had good knowledge of waste handling. Majority of the waste handlers were using mask as a PPE. The practice of waste handling was good among the respondents who had received training on waste handling. Training can be a milestone to reduce serious health problem using their knowledge into practice.

Medical examination of food handlers: A missing link in food safety

Background: Unhealthy food handlers have been implicated in occurrence of various foodborne illnesses (FBIs). The benefits acquired by routine medical examination of food handlers are as a strong preventive tool in hands of public health experts in reducing the episodes of FBI. Medical examination of handlers is complementary toward the World Health Day theme of the WHO 2015 “food safety” and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Objective: The objective of this study was as follows: (i) To study the sociodemographic profile of the food handlers working in food establishment of tertiary care hospital and (ii) to estimate the parasite load among food handlers working in food establishments of a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study carried over a period of 3 months. Sampling method employed was Simple Random Sampling. The total number of subjects was 86. The Institutional Ethics Committee approval was obtained. They were interviewed face to face using a semi-structured questionnaire and were assessed clinically for personal hygiene and head-to-toe examination. Stool examination was done for all using simple floatation technique. Results: Mean age of food handlers was 29 ± 2 years. Two-thirds (75%) of food handlers were educated <12th standard. Majority (61%) of them had up to 5 years of experience. The overall personal hygiene of subjects was good except for long hair. At the time of study, 59% had symptoms of infectious disease and had not reported. They had not received typhoid vaccination. The prevalence of Ascariasis, Giardia, and Taenia was 22.5%, 2.5%, and 2.5%, respectively. Conclusion: The overall health and personal hygiene of food handlers was good. However, the prevalence of enteropathogenic infections was high. Hence, periodic medical examination of food handlers should be taken seriously.

A study to assess the assess the food safety knowledge and hygienic practices among food handlers

Background: Improper food production, handling, and preparation techniques have direct influence on health. A food borne disease is a disease usually either infectious or toxic in nature, caused by agents that enter the body through ingestion of food. The objective of the present study was to assess the food safety knowledge and hygienic practices among food handlers and to assess the improvement in knowledge and hygienic practices after educational intervention.Methods: This was a longitudinal educational interventional study, carried out during October to December 2017 among 50 randomly selected food handlers in and around Gandhi Medical College campus, where the study subjects were interviewed by using a questionnaire in local language regarding their knowledge and practices of food handling, and were then later educated on proper food handling practices by lecture and demonstration method followed by a post intervention interview after a gap of 2 weeks.Results: Out of 50 food handlers, 62% had knowledge of the food borne diseases and it raises up to 100% post intervention. During pre-intervention, only 78% of the participants used to wash their hands before preparing meal and after intervention 92% were washing their hands before preparing meal.Conclusions: Food safety knowledge and hygienic practices among food handlers improved by 73% after the educational intervention. Maximum improvement was seen in the use of gloves, caps and hand washing practices.

Knowledge and personal hygiene practice among food handlers in public university campus of Bangladesh

Background: Millions of people are suffering from food borne illness and it has become a growing public health concern in the world. To reduce the burden of food borne illness, food handlers must have accurate knowledge of food safety. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge and level of personal hygiene practice among food handlers of Jahangirnagar University.Methods: It was a descriptive cross sectional study, done among the food handlers in Jahangirngar University Campus, Dhaka, Bangladesh from May 2016 to September 2016. Data were collected from 119 food handlers by using face to face interview using a pre-tested questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 22.0) software was used for data analysis.Results: Study found that 65.55% of the food handlers did not have adequate knowledge regarding personal hygiene. The study also found that 71.4% of the food handlers had poor hygiene practice. The study revealed that age, education and sleeping place and knowledge regarding personal hygiene were significantly associated with the respondent’s personal hygiene practice.Conclusions: The study shows that knowledge and its practice among the food handlers is very poor. Implementation of training and awareness program on personal hygiene are required to improve their knowledge and personal hygiene practice.

Prevalence and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Salmonella Species among Food Handlers in Khartoum- State (Sudan)

Aims/Objectives: To screen the prevalence of Salmonella fecal carriage among healthy foodhandlers and to identify the common species of Salmonella among study population and its antibacterial susceptibility in Khartoum state by taking stool samples. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Khartoum state, Sudan, from January 2009 to December 2009. Methodology: Stool samples were collected, processed and cultured on suitable bacterial culture media. Presence of colonies resembling (non-lactose fermenting) Salmonella species were further studied to identify the bacterium by using appropriate biochemical tests.Confirmation and serotyping of isolates were done by using Salmonella antisera. Antibacterial susceptibility test for common antibacterial drugs were also studied. Results: A total of 387 stool samples collected from apparently healthy food handlers werestudied. Salmonella fecal carriage among food handlers was 17 (4.4%) and the highest prevalence was noted in Umbada locality (5.1%). Salmonella Paratyphi B was the commonest 14 (3.6%), followed by Salmonella Typhi 2(0.5%) and Salmonella Cholerasuis 1 (0.3%). Our study revealed that 141 (36.4%) of food handlers were illiterate, 29 (7.5%) werepreschool, 134 (34.6%) were elementary school graduates 68 (17.6%) and 15 (3.9%) university graduates. Forty two (10.9%) of the studied cases mentioned that, they sometimes wash their hands by soap after defecation, while, 9 (2.3%) never washed theirhands. The study also, revealed that 3 (17.6%) of positive food handlers have had history ofprevious typhoid or gastroenteritis. The study demonstrated that Salmonella species isolated were sensitive to co-trimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, amoxicillin/ clavulanic acid, ceftriaxone and cefuroxime. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the presence of considerable number of Salmonella fecal carriage among food handlers in Khartoum state. Most of them were illiterate and had poor compliance of hand washing after toilet use. Study also revealed that isolated Salmonella species were highly susceptibility to the common first line antibiotics used in Sudan.

Condições higienicossanitárias da comercialização de pescado em feiras livres da cidade de Santana, AP / Hygiene and sanitary conditions of the commercialization of fish in free trade fairs in the city of Santana, AP

O pescado é um alimento altamente perecível, o qual deve receber atenção redobrada pelos órgãos competentes, especialmente os comercializados em mercados e feiras livres. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as condições higienicossanitárias na comercialização de pescado nas feiras públicas da cidade de Santana, Amapá. A avaliação foi fundamentada em um checklist adaptado da RDC nº 216/2004 da ANVISA- Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, contendo como itens de verificação as edificações; equipamentos, instrumentos e utensílios utilizados; a higienização dos mesmos e do ambiente; o vestuário adequado; hábitos higiênicos na manipulação; o uso de equipamentos de proteção individual; e a qualidade de matéria-prima utilizada. Os resultados demonstraram precariedade nos itens avaliados, classificando as feiras no grupo 3, de 0 a 50% de atendimento aos critérios analisados. Na avaliação de equipamentos, móveis e utensílios; manipulação; e produção e transporte verificou-se 0% de atendimento, determinando-se um ponto crítico para a contaminação do pescado. As condições encontradas nas feiras analisadas, aliadas à falta de fiscalização pelos órgãos competentes, determinam pontos de estrangulamento na cadeia produtiva do pescado, funcionando como potencial risco na contaminação do produto comercializado, o que pode interferir diretamente na saúde do consumidor.(AU)

Fishery products are a highly perishable food, in which it must receive attention redoubled by the competent organs, especially those marketed in markets and free fairs. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the hygienic sanitary conditions in the commercialization of fish in the public fairs of the city of Santana, Amapá. The evaluation was based on a checklist adapted from the RDC 216/2004 of ANVISA, containing as criteria the buildings; equipment, instruments and utensils used; the hygiene of the same and the environment; clothing suitable; hygienic habits in handling; Use of personal protective equipment; and the quality of raw material used. The results showed precariousness in the evaluated items, classifying the fairs in group 3, from 0 to 50% of attendance of the analyzed criteria. The criteria of equipment, furniture and utensils; manipulation; and production and transport were obtained 0% of the service, determining a critical point for the contamination of the fish. The conditions found in the analyzed fairs, together with the lack of inspection by the competent authorities, determine bottlenecks in the fish production chain, functioning as a potential risk in the contamination of the marketed product, which may directly interfere with the health of the consumer.

Verification of good practices in food establishments in Petrolina, semi-arid region of Pernambuco, Brazil / Verificação das boas práticas nos estabelecimentos de alimentos em Petrolina, na região semiárida de Pernambuco, Brasil

This study was conducted jointly with the Municipal Sanitary Surveillance Agency of Petrolina, in the period of August-October 2013, to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary conditions of food producing and commercializing establishments in the municipality of Petrolina. A total of 300 food manufacturer/trader establishments were evaluated based on a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) checklist. The evaluation was based on 25 items. The data were computed as 0 for nonconformity and 1 for conformity to the GMP checklist. Data from all districts were analyzed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Items such as presence of lamp protectors, clean windows and screens, presence of SOP and training programs for handlers, use of aprons, caps, gloves and disposable towels, and performing periodic examinations of the establishments were evaluated. Fourteen evaluation items showed significant differences (P<0.05) for frequency of conforming and 9 for nonconforming. The PCA identified five city districts (Centro Norte, Areia Branca, Santa Luzia, Rio Corrente and São Gonçalo) in the municipality that used GMP in their establishments. These results highlight the need to redouble efforts in establishments to ensure the safety of products offered.

Este estudo foi realizado em conjunto com a Agência Municipal de Vigilância Sanitária de Petrolina, no período de agosto a outubro de 2013, para avaliar as condições higiênico-sanitárias de produção e comercialização de alimentos nos estabelecimentos municipais de Petrolina. Um total de 300 estabelecimentos fabricante/comerciante de alimentos foi avaliado com base em uma lista de verificação de Boas Práticas de Fabricação (BPF). A avaliação foi baseada em 25 itens. Os dados foram computados como 0 para a não-conformidade e 1 para a conformidade segundo a lista de verificação. As respostas para as observações foram obtidas por Análise de Componentes Principais (ACP). Itens como protetores de lâmpadas, limpeza das janelas e telas, presença de programas de higiene operacional, curso de formação para manipuladores, o uso de aventais, bonés, luvas e toalhas descartáveis e realização de exames médicos periódicos dos manipuladores foram avaliados. Quatorze itens de avaliação mostraram diferenças significativas para frequência de conformidade e 9 para não-conformidade. A ACP identificou cinco regiões da cidade (Centro Norte, Areia Branca, Santa Luzia, Rio Corrente e São Gonçalo) no município que utilizam BPF em seus estabelecimentos. Estes resultados destacam a necessidade de redobrar os esforços nos estabelecimentos para garantir a inocuidade dos produtos oferecidos.

Aplicação das boas práticas por manipuladores de alimentos em pontos de venda de gelados comestíveis / Application of good practices by food handlers at points of sale of ice cream

Neste estudo objetivou-se avaliar a aplicação das boas práticas por manipuladores em pontos de venda de gelados comestíveis. Trata-se de um estudo de corte transversal, no qual foram avaliados 18 quiosques de gelados comestíveis, divididos por categoria de sorvete: em bola, sorvete expresso e paletas. Foi utilizada uma lista de checagem com 17 itens, divididos em seis blocos, composto por vestuário, asseio pessoal, hábitos higiênicos, estado de saúde, área de atendimento ao cliente, área de resíduos, baseada nos critérios da RDC Nº216/2004 e, para classificação dos parâmetros, a RDC Nº275/2002. A categoria de sorvete em bola foi classificada no grupo 2 (58,4%) e no grupo 3, sorvete expresso (46,3%) e paletas (47%). Evidenciou-se que as boas práticas não são seguidas pelos manipuladores, assim causando risco de contaminação. Ressalta-se a importância do treinamento e monitoramento.

Qualidade microbiológica de alimentos comercializados por ambulantes em estações de ônibus de Palmas, TO / Microbiological quality of food marketed by street vendors at bus stations in Palmas, TO

O comércio ambulante apresenta aspectos negativos quanto à qualidade higienicossanitária dos produtos oferecidos em função da falta de informação dos manipuladores sobre boas práticas de manipulação e conservação dos alimentos, que são itens imprescindíveis para a segurança dos alimentos. Dentre os alimentos comercializados nas estações de ônibus, os mais consumidos são salgados e sucos, geralmente mantidos em caixas de isopor ou expositores, não garantindo a temperatura adequada de conservação desses alimentos. Por serem alimentos muito manipulados com exposição inadequada, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar os riscos desse tipo de comercialização, considerando a pouca notificação à Vigilância Sanitária quando há manifestação de doenças caracterizadas por intoxicação ou toxinfecção alimentar. Foram analisadas 54 amostras, 27 de salgados e 27 de sucos provenientes de estações com maior fluxo de pessoas em semanas alternadas. As amostras foram analisadas em triplicata quanto ao Número Mais Provável de Coliformes totais e termotolerantes, Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp. e Clostrídios sulfito redutores. Em nenhuma amostra foi detectada a presença de Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp. e Clostrídios Sulfito Redutores. Detectou-se Número Mais Provável de Coliformes totais em 25,9% nas amostras de salgados analisados e também 25,9% nas amostras analisadas de suco. A ausência de patógenos e valores baixos para coliformes na maioria das amostras pode estar relacionada à tempratura de fritura alta inerente ao preparo dos salgados e à presença de conservantes nos sucos, por se tratar de sucos artificiais (refrescos), além do fluxo intenso de vendas colaborar para o tempo insuficiente de multiplicação microbiana não atingindo níveis capazes de causar DTA (doença transmitida por alimento).

Epidemiología de Salmonella spp, Listeria monocytogenes y Campylobacter spp, en la cadena productiva avícola / Epidemiology of Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter spp., in the poultry chain production system / Epidemiologia de Salmonella spp., Listeria mono-cytogenes y Campylobacter spp., na cadeia produtiva avícola

Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp. y Listeria monocytogenes son patógenos zoonóticos causantes de enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos asociadas al consumo de productos de origen animal contaminados. En este estudio se determinaron la prevalencia y los factores de riesgo asociados a la presencia de estos microorganismos en todos los eslabones de producción de pollos de engorde en dos empresas integradoras avícolas colombianas (EI-I y EI-II). En la EI-I, se aislaron Campylobacter spp., y Salmonella spp., del 10 % y el 4,4 % de las muestras, y el serotipo predominante de esta última fue S. Heildelberg. Se encontró Salmonella spp., en 6 % de las muestras de manos y materia fecal de los trabajadores, y S. Saphra fue el serotipo más común. En la EI-II, la prevalencia de Campylobacter spp., y Salmonella spp., en muestras de animales fue del 7 % y el 17 %, respectivamente. No se detectó L. monocytogenes. Este trabajo estableció la prevalencia de los patógenos zoonóticos a lo largo de la cadena productiva, evidenció la presencia de trabajadores/manipuladores portadores de los patógenos y determinó, que “la falta de reconocimiento médico de los empleados en el último año” constituye un posible factor de riesgo para la portación de Salmonella spp.

Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., and L. monocytogenes are zoonotic foodborne pathogens, associated with the consumption of contaminated foods of animal origin. In this study we determined the prevalence and risk factors associated with the presence of these microorganisms at all stages of the production system, in two Colombian poultry companies (EI-EI-I and II). In EI-I, Campylobacter spp., and Salmonella spp., were isolated from 10 % and 4.4 % of the specimens, and S. Heidelberg was the predominant serotype. Salmonella spp., was found in 6 % of hands and stool samples of workers. S. Saphra was the most prevalent serotype. In EI-II, the prevalence of Campylobacter spp., and Salmonella spp., from animal specimens was 7 % and 17 %, respectively. L. monocytogenes was not detected. This study established the prevalence of these zoonotic pathogens through the production chain and showed the presence of pathogen carriers among workers/food handlers. “Lack of medical examination of employees in the previous year” was found to be a possible risk factor for carriage of Salmonella spp.

Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp. y L. monocytogenes são patógenos zoonóticos causantes de doenças transmitidas por alimentos associadas ao consumo de produtos de origem animal contaminados. Neste estudo se determinou a prevalência e os fatores de risco associados à presença destes microrganismos em todos os elos de produção do frango de engorda em duas empresas integradoras avícolas colombianas (EI-I y EI-II). Na EI-I, Campylobacter spp. e Salmonella spp. foram isolados de 10% e 4,4% das amostras, sendo S. Heildelberg ou serótipo predominante. Se encontrou Salmonella spp. em 6% das amostras de mãos e matéria fecal dos trabalhadores, sendo S. Saphra o serótipo mais comum. Na EI-II, a prevalência de Campylobacterspp. e Salmonella spp. em amostras animais foi de 7% e 17% respectivamente. L.monocytogenes não foi detectada. Este estudo estabeleceu a prevalência dos patógenos zoonóticos através da cadeia produtiva, evidenciou a presença de portadores dos patógenos entre os trabalhadores/manipuladores e determinou, “a falta de reconhecimento médico dos empregados no último ano” constitui um possível fator de risco para a porte de Salmonella spp.