Table 4.
Evaluation of food safety practices of food handlers.
| Sr # | Question Statement | Variables | Responses (N) % |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1 | I always wash my hands before cooking or serving food. | Yes | (117) 57.9 % |
| No | (66) 32.7 % | ||
| Not Certain | (19) 9.4 % | ||
| P2 | Do you wash your hands with antibacterial soap? | Yes | (109) 54.0 % |
| No | (27) 13.4 % | ||
| Occasionally | (66) 32.7 % | ||
| P3 | Do you wash food contact surfaces such as chopping boards, tables, and knives with antibacterial soap before food preparation? | Yes | (100) 49.5 % |
| No | (23) 11.4 % | ||
| Occasionally | (79) 39.1 % | ||
| P4 | Do you use separate kitchen utensils for raw and cooked food? | Yes | (184) 91.1 % |
| No | (07) 3.5 % | ||
| Occasionally | (11) 5.4 % | ||
| P5 | Do you continue working when you are sick? | Yes | (18) 8.9 % |
| No | (59) 29.2 % | ||
| Occasionally | (125) 61.9 % | ||
| P6 | Do you thaw food at room temperature? | Yes | (147) 72.8 % |
| No | (11) 5.4 % | ||
| Occasionally | (44) 21.8 % | ||
| P7 | Do you check the expiry dates of food products before using them? | Yes | (163) 80.7 % |
| No | (09) 4.5 % | ||
| Occasionally | (30) 14.9 % | ||
| P8 | Do you check the integrity of food packages before using food products? | Yes | (126) 62.4 % |
| No | (13) 6.4 % | ||
| Occasionally | (63) 31.2 % | ||
| P9 | Do you wear a uniform while handling food? | Yes | (154) 76.2 % |
| No | (43) 21.3 % | ||
| Occasionally | (05) 2.5 % | ||
| P10 | How often do you change and wash the uniform you use while working? | Daily | (96) 47.5 % |
| Twice a week | (69) 34.2 % | ||
| Once a week | (06) 3.0 % | ||
| Uncertain | (31) 15.3 % | ||
| P11 | Do you use disposable tissues when coughing or sneezing and then immediately wash hands? | Yes | (69) 34.2 % |
| No | (67) 33.2 % | ||
| Occasionally | (66) 32.7 % |
The correct responses were highlighted in bold format. P1-11 indicate food safety practices-based questions.