Investigation on food safety related knowledge and behavior of employees in the farmer markets in Yangpu District of Shanghai / 上海预防医学

ABSTRACT

Objective To determine the potential sources of food safety risk and food safety related awareness of employees in the farmer markets in Yangpu District of Shanghai, and to provide evidence for food safety management. Methods The investigation on food safety and food-borne disease knowledge were conducted in 13 farmer markets in Yangpu District, and to assess the impact of employees′ behavior on food safety. Results A total of 368 employees in the 13 farmer markets were included in the study.Employees with high school education and above had better knowledge of food safety (P < 0.001).There was significant difference in the physical examination and habit of smoking in public places among the employees with different education levels.In addition, the employees in various positions in the markets differed significantly in the knowledge of food safety and behavior, such as taking physical examination, washing hands before meal and continuing working when feeling sick. Conclusion Food safety related risk in the farmer markets in Yangpu District mainly originates from the inadequate knowledge of the employees with low education levels, which further affects their behavior.Market management should strengthen the training of food safety related knowledge in the employees and advocate healthy behavior, such as taking physical examination and stop smoking, which contributes to creating a healthy work and shopping environment.