Food Safety In The School Feeding Programme In The Ga East Municipal Area

ABSTRACT Objective: This study assessed current food safety measures of food handlers in the school feeding programme. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was employed where a questionnaire was used to collect data from 75 food handlers‟ on their demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practices on food safety. An interview guide was used to assess eight matrons or caterers‟ in-depth knowledge on food safety, a nonparticipant observation was made on the personal and environmental hygiene practices of food handlers as well as the manner of services they provide using a checklist adopted from the Public Health Unit of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly. This was followed by a laboratory assessment of the microbiological status of food samples collected at the point of serving in schools. Chi-square test for independence as well as frequency distributions was used to analyze quantitative data from the field survey. All qualitative data were coded and categorized into themes for presentation. Data obtained from the laboratory analysis were also compared with standard values of microbiological counts of cooked foods. Findings: Most respondents had basic knowledge on food safety issues with some sociodemographic factors being contributory factors. However, this did not translate well into their activities when observations were made and the presence of coliform counts (total & faecal) in some foods sampled did not make food wholesome. Conclusion: Food safety measures of food handlers in the school feeding programme were inadequate and could lead to food borne diseases. Special attention should be given to manner of services, personal and environmental hygiene.