Food Safety in Domestic Refrigerators - A Mixed Methods Study to Identify Key Messages for Promoting Safe Storage Practices among Households

Jump To References Section

Authors

  • National Institute of Nutrition, Jamai-Osmania P.O, Hyderabad - 500 007 Telangana State ,IN
  • Food and Drug Toxicology Research Centre, National Institute of Nutrition, Jamai-Osmania P.O, Hyderabad - 500 007, Telangana State ,IN
  • Food and Drug Toxicology Research Centre, National Institute of Nutrition, Jamai-Osmania P.O, Hyderabad - 500 007, Telangana State ,IN
  • Division of Biostatistics, National Institute of Nutrition, Jamai-Osmania P.O, Hyderabad - 500 007, Telangana State ,IN
  • Extension and Training Division, National Institute of Nutrition, Jamai-Osmania P.O, Hyderabad - 500 007, Telangana State ,IN

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21048/ijnd.2016.53.1.3871

Keywords:

Refrigeration, Food Safety, Practices, Knowledge, Key Messages.

Abstract

A significant proportion of foodborne diseases arise from practices in home kitchens. Not only how food is handled but also how it is stored determines its safety. The current study aimed to assess knowledge and practices of households related to storage of foods in refrigerator and identify key messages to promote safe storage practices. A cross-sectional study employing mixed methods (combination of quantitative and qualitative methods) was carried out among households who owned refrigerators. Quantitative data on knowledge and practices were collected from women (n=120) who were responsible for cooking and storing foods at household level using a pretested questionnaire and qualitative data on status of the refrigerators was collected using non-participant observation technique. Leftover foods stored in refrigerators for > 24h were collected from a sub-sample (n=18) to assess the presence of food pathogens. Over 34.2% preserved leftover non-vegetarian foods at room temperature. About 65% stored leftover foods in refrigerators for >24h. Only 10% cleaned the refrigerator every week and about 20% had knowledge of the working temperature of the refrigerators. There was a significant association (P<0.05) between education and knowledge as well as practices among households. Salmonella spp. (44.4%), E. coli (27.7%), fecal coliforms (11.1%) and S. aureus (5.5%) were detected in refrigerated leftover foods. Observational studies revealed some risky storage behaviors. Most of the households are not aware of the safe storage and refrigeration practices. The detected foodborne pathogens in refrigerated leftover food samples indicate a potential hazard in refrigerated foods. The study identified five key messages for food safety communication.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

Published

2016-03-01

How to Cite

Yella, R., Naveen Kumar, R., Vemula, S. R., Nagalla, B., & Gavaravarapu, S. M. (2016). Food Safety in Domestic Refrigerators - A Mixed Methods Study to Identify Key Messages for Promoting Safe Storage Practices among Households. The Indian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics, 53(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.21048/ijnd.2016.53.1.3871

 

References

World Health Organisation. 2006 - Food Safety and foodborne diseases. Fact Sheet No. 237.Availablefromhttp://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs237/en/index.html [Accessed on 5 June 2013].

Gavaravarapu, S.M., Smith, K.C. and Rima, R.N. A case for refining the WHO Global Strategy on Food Safety: perspectives from India. Lancet Glob. Health., 2013, 1, 254-255.

Scott, E. Foodborne disease and other hygiene issues in the home. J. Appl. Bacteriol., 1996, 80, 5-9.

Bryan, F.L. Risks of practices, procedures and processes that lead to outbreaks of foodborne diseases. J. Fd. Prot., 1988, 51, 663–673.

Scott, E., Bloomfield. S.F. and Barlow, C.G. An investigation of microbial contamination in the home. J. Hygiene. 1982, 89, 279–293.

Medeiros, C.L., Hillers, N.V., Bergmann, V., Kendall, P. and Schroeder, M. Food safety education: What should we be teaching to consumers? J. Nutr. Edu., 2001, 33, 108–113.

Polasa, K., Sudershan, R.V., Subba Rao, G.M., Rao, M.V.V., Rao, P. and Sivakumar, B. KABP study on food and drug safety in India - A report. Hyderabad: Food and Drug Toxicology Research Centre, National Institute of Nutrition, 2006.

World Health Organization. Five keys to safer food manual. Geneva: WHO. 2006. Available at: http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/5keysmanual/en/ [Accessed on 18th April 2015]

Kennedy, J., Jackson, V., Blair, I.S, McDowell, D.A., Cowan, C. and Bolton, D.J. Food safety knowledge of respondents and the microbiological and temperature status of their refrigerators. J. Fd. Prot., 2005, 68, 1421-1430.

Nthenge, K.A., Chen, C.F. and Godwin, L.S. Occurrence of Listeria and Entero bacteriaceae in domestic refrigerators. J. Fd. Prot., 2008, 71, 608-612.

Gettings, A.M. and Kiernan, E.N. Practices and perceptions of food safety among seniors who prepare meals at home. J. Nutr. Edu., 2001, 33, 148-154.

Gavaravarapu, S.M. and Nair, K.M. From farm to plate and beyond – A culture & context specific perspective for food safety. Ind. J. Med. Res., 2015, 141, 377-379.

Jay, S.L., Comar and Govenlock, D.L. A National Australian food safety telephone survey. J. Fd. Prot., 1999, 62, 921-928.

Marklinder, I.M., Lindblad, M., Eriksson, L.M., Finnson, A.M. and Lindqvist, R. Home storage temperatures and consumer handling of refrigerated foods in Sweden. J. Fd. Prot., 2004, 67, 2570-2577.

Towns, E.R., Cullen, W.R., Memken, A.J. and Nnakwe, E.N. Food safety-related refrigeration and freezer practices and attitudes of consumers in Peoria and surrounding countries. J. Fd. Prot., 2006, 69, 1640-1645.

FSIC (food Safety Information Council). Food safety tips – fruits and vegetables. Available at: http://www.foodsafety.asn.au/resources/fruit-and-vegetables/ (Accessed on 29th November 2015)

Mitakakis, T.Z., Sinclair, M.I., Fairley, C.K., Lightbody, P.K., Leder, K. and Hellard, M.E. Food safety in family homes in Melbourne, Australia. J. Fd. Prot., 2004, 67, 818-822.

Most read articles by the same author(s)