Survey on sanitary knowledge level and degree of HACCP practice in culinary staff employed in elementary, middle, and high schools in Chungnam province / 한국영양학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was performed to examine the sanitary knowledge level and degree of HACCP (hazard analysis critical control point) practice in school culinary staff in order to provide basic information for improving hygiene of school meals. METHODS: Exactly 305 culinary staff members were selected from elementary, middle, and high schools in 14 cities and rural areas, including whole administrative districts in Chungnam province. Surveyed schools were selected by convenience sampling, and one subject was selected randomly from each school. Surveys were taken by self-administered questionnaires developed by researchers and questionnaire were distributed and collected by postal mail. RESULTS: Sanitary education administered by school dietitians to culinary staff was more frequent and longer in elementary schools, followed by middle and high schools (p < 0.001). Sanitary knowledge level and degree of HACCP practice, except for a few CCP or CP of culinary staff, were highest in elementary schools and middle school followed by high schools (p < 0.05), respectively. School class was negatively correlated with sanitary knowledge level of culinary staff (p < 0.01), and frequen-cy of sanitary education was positively correlated with sanitary knowledge level of culinary staff (p < 0.01). Sanitary knowl-edge level of culinary staff was positively correlated with degree of HACCP practice (p < 0.01). School class, daily fre-quency of meal service, work experience, rice washing machine, and total score of sanitary knowledge were significant variables influencing degree of HACCP practice in culinary staff. CONCLUSION: The above results show that the following points should be considered to improve hygiene of school meals. Sanitary education should be administered more frequently by school dietitians to culinary staff, especially to those in high schools, which showed the lowest sanitary knowledge level and degree of HACCP practice. In addition, facilities and equipment required for HACCP practice should be supported in small-sized elementary schools.