training course on food hygiene for butchers: Measuring its effectiveness through microbiological analysis and the use of an inspection checklist

• Published in: Journal of food protection Vol. 68; no. 11; pp. 2439 - 2442
• Main Authors: Vaz, M.L.S, Novo, N.F, Sigulem, D.M, Morais, T.B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Des Moines, IA International Association of Milk, Food and Environmental Sanitarians 01.11.2005
• Subjects: Animals; Bacteria - isolation & purification; Benchmarking; Biological and medical sciences; butchering; Colony Count, Microbial; education programs; Escherichia coli; Food Contamination - prevention & control; Food Handling - methods; Food Handling - standards; Food industries; Food Inspection; food safety education; food sanitation; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Guideline Adherence; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Hygiene - education; Hygiene and safety; Meat Products - microbiology; microbiological quality; program evaluation; quality control; Time Factors; Inspection; Food safety; Microbiological testing; Use
• ISSN: 0362-028X; 1944-9097
• DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x-68.11.2439

The effectiveness of food hygiene training for a group of retail butchers was evaluated with the aim of verifying whether the butchers modified their behavior in the light of knowledge gained and whether their acquired knowledge or behavior change was sustained over a period of time. Microbiological analysis (enumeration of mesophilic and coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli) of a raw semiprocessed product (stuffed rolled beef) was conducted, and an inspection checklist was issued before the training course (T0). Initial results were later compared with results obtained 1 month (T1) and 6 months (T6) after the training. The checklist comprised 89 items classified into five categories: A, approved suppliers and product reception; B, storage conditions and temperature control; C, flow process, food handling procedures, and conditions of the window display unit; D, facility design and proper cleaning and sanitizing of equipment, utensils, and work surfaces; and E, pest control system, water supply control, and garbage disposal. The inspection results were recorded as "yes" or "no" for each item. Compliance with food safety procedures was recorded as the percentage of "yes" answers. The bacterial counts were significantly higher at T0. At T6, there was no significant increase in bacterial counts. There was a significant improvement in food safety practices at T1 and T6 compared with T0 for all categories. When comparing T0 and T1, the largest increases in the compliance scores were seen within categories C and D. No significant decrease in scores for compliance with food safety practices was observed at T6. Supervision and refresher activities may be necessary to maintain behavioral changes for a longer period of time.