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Evaluation of hygiene practices and microbiological status of ready‐to‐eat vegetable salads in Spanish school canteens
Author(s) -
RodríguezCaturla Magdevis Y,
Valero Antonio,
Carrasco Elena,
Posada Guiomar D,
GarcíaGimeno Rosa M,
Zurera Gonzalo
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.5634
Subject(s) - hygiene , sanitation , environmental health , food preparation , food safety , food service , food science , business , agricultural science , medicine , environmental science , marketing , biology , pathology
BACKGROUND: This study was conducted in eight Spanish school canteens during the period 2008–2009. Food handlers' practices, kitchen equipment, hygiene/sanitation conditions and handling practices were evaluated using checklists. In parallel, the microbiological quality and safety of ready‐to‐eat (RTE) vegetable salads were assessed. In addition, food contact surfaces and environmental air quality of different areas were analysed. The study determined the relationship between the microbiological quality of RTE foods and food handling practices, together with the degree of contamination of working surfaces and environmental contamination of processing and distribution areas. RESULTS: Some deficiencies were found regarding the use and change of gloves, hand‐washing and cleanliness of working surfaces. The microbial levels detected in the foods examined indicated the absence of pathogens in the samples analysed. Surface counts were higher on cutting boards and faucets, showing insufficient cleanliness procedures. CONCLUSION: This study constitutes a descriptive analysis of the hygiene/sanitation conditions implemented in food service systems in eight Spanish school canteens. The results should help risk managers to better define control measures to be adopted in order to prevent foodborne infections. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry