Effect of safe food handling programming on participants' food handling behaviors

• Published in: Family and consumer sciences research journal Vol. 24; no. 2
• Main Authors: Nies, J.I. (Texas AandM University.), Gentry Van Laanen, P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.12.1995
• Subjects: COMPORTAMIENTO DEL CONSUMIDOR; COMPORTEMENT DU CONSOMMATEUR; EDUCACION; EDUCATION; ENCUESTAS; ENQUETE; EXTENSION; INNOCUITE DES PRODUITS ALIMENTAIRES; INOCUIDAD ALIMENTARIA; MANIPULACION; MANUTENTION; VULGARISATION
• ISSN: 1077-727X; 1552-3934
• DOI: 10.1177/1077727X950242004

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which participants adopted safe food handling behaviors after attending food safety programs conducted by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. One hundred telephone interviews with program participants were completed. The interview schedule included 16 food handling questions. Participants reported practicing safe food handling behaviors a higher percentage of the time after participating in the programs than before participating in the programs. The food handling behaviors showing statistically significant changes included thawing frozen food in the refrigerator; using appliance thermometers; keeping food preparation areas clean; washing hands before handling food, after handling raw meat, and before handling cooked food; refrigerating perishable foods promptly; and using different cutting boards for raw meats and other foods. Based on participant responses, the food safety programs appear to be effective in the promotion of behavioral change and the adoption of safe food handling behaviors