Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of food safety among food service staff at Hamad general hospital in 2006

ABSTRACT

Using a modified standard questionnaire a cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2006 to assess knowledge, attitude and practices towards food safety measures among 43 randomly selected food service staff at Hamad Medical Corporation [H MC], Qatar. Knowledge, attitude and practice of food service staff towards food safety was 91.9%, 86% and 89.7% respectively. Many [95.3%] recognized the importance of salmonella contamination but fewer [20.9%] were aware of the significance of Hepatitis A. In general the attitudes [86%] and practices [89.7%] of the staff towards clean and safe food preparation were adequate but the basic knowledge and understanding of the reasons for the necessary practices were inadequate [91 .9%]. Continuous training in health education, food safety and hygiene is required for all staff involved in hospital food services