Food Hygiene Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices amongst Food Handlers in Selected Hotels and Restaurants In Thika Town, Kenya

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate food hygiene knowledge, attitude and practice amongst food handlers’ in selected hotels and restaurants in Thika Town, Kenya. A cross sectional survey design was adopted. The study targeted population 470 food handlers from which 216 respondents were sampled for study. Simple random sampling was used during data collection, while, structured questionnaires were used to collect data. The questionnaire for data collection was validated through a pretest study and its reliability was measured using the Cronbach‟s Alpha test. The responses were coded and analyzed using quantitative methods including means, percentages, standard deviations, frequency distributions. A total of 184 questionnaires were found fit and complete for data analysis. Generally, the food handler’s knowledge was high with a mean percentage score of positive answers of (81.1%±7.3%). With regards to attitudes the food handlers exhibited positive attitude towards food hygiene with an overall mean of 3.6±0.5 out total 5. Overall, the food handlers had good practices in food hygiene with a mean percentage score of 86.3%±8.3%. However, a considerable number of food handlers (27.5%) exhibited unhygienic food practices. The public health authorities should do thorough checks to ensure that all food handlers hold valid medical certificates. Restaurant and hotel managers should ensure that all food handlers are free from illness and those ill should not be allowed to handle food. Similar studies need to be carried out among food handlers operating in the many fast food restaurants and food kiosks around the country.