Assessment of food safety hazards among day care centres in Mbombela, Republic of South Africa

Abstract

Abstract: Day care centres have become an integral part of today’s society and while they provide necessary and important services, they may also serve as a focal point for certain foodborne diseases. Food provided in these centres has an important role to play in the growth and development of children and in the developments of future eating habits. However microbial hazards are considered to be a challenge to food safety in day care centres due to potentially harmful microorganisms that have the capability to multiply from extremely small amounts in food or in the human body after consumption. Each day millions of children eat food prepared and served in day care cantres. Young children are at risk of foodborne diseases because of their less developed immune systems, lower weight and limited control over food risks. Children in day care centres may further be exposed to pathogens through secondary sources such as ill classmates and contaminated food. Literature has shown that children who attend day care centres are three times more at risk of food borne diseases than children who are not attending day care centres.The aim of the study was to assess food safety hazards in day care centres in Mbombela. Evaluation of food handlers’ knowledge and behaviour at day care centres was conducted using a questionnaire; a literature review was conducted on common microbial hazards and health risk associated with the identified hazards. An inspection checklist was also used to observe hygiene practices and cleaning procedures used in the food preparation areas, and lastly experimental studies were conducted by taking microbial swabs from food preparation areas which were later analysed for bacterial presence by means of graphs and numerical techniques. Although food handlers had adequate knowledge of food safety, they have not received any food safety training and their knowledge concerning aspects of food safety such as food poisoning and types of microorganisms is poor and this has a negative impact on their behaviour regarding to food safety. This lack of knowledge contributes to unhygienic behaviours. 73% of Mbombela day care centres’ food preparation areas do not comply with minimum requirements of the regulations for kitchen compliance, personal hygiene compliance and storage compliance. Not complying with the requirements of the regulations poses a health threat to the children. Streptococcus (29.2%), micrococcus (9.2%), S.aureus (38.4%), GNB (41.5%) and GPB (63%), E. coli (17%), salmonella (3%), S. aureus(4.6%), E. coli (64.60%), Salmonella (44.60%), shigella (15.3%), and Compalobacter Jejuni was present in the food preparation areas of Mbombela day care centres. This study highlighted the need for food handlers’ training on food safety and the importance of compliance.M.Tech. (Environmental Health