Abstract:
In component one, the level of food hygiene was described. For the first component, 123
school canteens were studied using an observational check list. The level of food hygiene
was satisfactory in 41.1 percent of canteens in government schools and in 83.3 percent of
semi government and private schools. The environmental sanitation was satisfactory in 12.6
percent of canteens in govenment schools and in 91.7 percent of semi govenment and
private schools, only 69.1 percent of government school canteens had water supply, In more
than 83 percent of canteens in both canteens had water supply. In more than 83 percent of
canteens in both categories, the food was displayed satisfactorily. In component two of the
study , the knowledge, attitudes and practices of food handlers were assessed using an
interviewer administered questionnaire and by direct observation using a checklist. The
study demonstrated that over half ( 55.8 perent ) of the food handlers had good knowledge
regarding food hygiene and food borne diseases. The knowledge on food borne diseases
was rather inadequate. Significantly (statistically) higher knowledge was observed with age
more than 45 years, female sex and ability of food handlers to read and write in more than
two languages, But knowledge didn't show any statistically significant difference between
educational level and experience of food handler. Only 23.1 percent of food handlers knew
about the School Canteen Policy. The practices were poor among 63.3 percent of food
handlers. Only 32.7 percent have been educated on food safety. Large majority of food
handlers were serving food bare handedly. Only 8 percent of food handlers used to wash
hands with detergents before handling the food. All the canteens were supervised by both
the Public Health Inspectors ( PHH) and the school authorities. The frequency of supervisins
by PHH is not adequate. No canteens had H 800 forms. The food handlers have to be
registered, educated and certificated. The Ministry of Education has to take actions to give
tenders of canteens depending on the performance of previous year. H-800 forms should be
maintained to all school canteens and legal action also should be taken whenever necessary.
School authorities should take steps to educate not only the canteen management but the
food handlers too regarding the School Canteen policy.
