An assessment of the effectiveness of mandatory food safety education and training programs offered for food service workers in three Pennsylvania counties.

摘要

A The effect of food safety education and training on food service workers has long been an issue (Julian, 1992). During a two-year period, from 1998 through 2000, this study assessed the effect of food safety education and training on 100 previously educated, trained, and certified food service workers who were involved in the re-certification process at the Pennsylvania State University Co-Operative Extension. The food service workers were pretested for knowledge of food safety issues, then they were re-certified, re-trained, and educated in food safety, followed by a posttest regarding food safety issues and knowledge. The food service workers also completed a survey that pertained to their perception of knowledge of food safety as it applied to food service workers' safe food handling practices and behaviors. The Pennsylvania State University Co-Operative Extension food safety instructors responded to a questionnaire to assess their perceptions of knowledge acquired by food service workers as they passed through the certification and re-certification process. Corroborating data were obtained from interviews with sanitarians who have observed the food safety practices and behaviors of certified and re-certified food service workers.; The results of this study indicated: (1) food service workers who attended food safety training and education classes did demonstrate knowledge of food safety principles and concepts; and (2) it appeared that food safety training and education does positively influence food handling safety practices and behaviors. Therefore, food safety training and education can be a viable process for promoting knowledge of food safety, which in turn should positively influence food service workers' food safety practices and behaviors.