Food Safety Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of School Canteen Food Handlers in the District of Maria, Siquijor, Philippines
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69569/jip.2024.0586Keywords:
Food packaging, Food preparation, Food safety, Food service, School canteen vendorsAbstract
Food safety is a vital public health concern impacting communities around the globe. It encompasses the management of various biological, chemical, and physical hazards that can compromise food safety and lead to adverse health outcomes. Undoubtedly, ensuring food safety in school canteens is crucial, as it directly influences the health and well-being of students. This study explored the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the 43 school canteen food vendors regarding food safety in the District of Maria, Siquijor. The researcher used a descriptive-correlational research method and a validated questionnaire to collect data. The statistical tools used in the study were weighted mean, multiple regression analysis, and Spearman rank correlation Coefficient. This motivated the researcher to study the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of food handlers in school cafeterias, as they are essential in ensuring the preparation and serving of safe food to students, teachers, and other patrons. The results revealed that the school canteen vendors' knowledge and practices in food handling and safety in terms of food packaging, food preparation, and food service process is “very high.” Furthermore, the data indicated that the school canteen vendors have a favorable attitude toward food packaging, food preparation, and food service norms. Additionally, the findings revealed a significant relationship between the vendors' knowledge and their attitudes regarding food packaging, preparation, and service processes. The study also found a significant relationship between the school canteen vendors’ knowledge and their practices, as well as between attitudes and practices in food preparation. The findings further discovered that school canteen vendors’ profiles and KAP on food handling and safety are unrelated. Although the study revealed high levels of reported knowledge, favorable attitudes, and substantial compliance with food safety practices, the actual behaviors of food handlers observed may not align with the DepEd guidelines. This discrepancy indicates that the respondents might have overestimated their adherence to the established policies, highlighting the need for continuous training and supervision by teachers responsible for school canteens.
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