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Factors Affecting Food Hygiene Practices in Rural Restaurants: A Case of Kawambwa District

2022; Volume: 9; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.20431/2349-0381.0903003

2349-0373

Malvern Kanyati, Hosea Lupambo Chishala, Chibale Chama Sweetbertha,

COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts

Food borne diseases are major health problems in developing countries including Zambia.The objective of this study was to assess food handling practice and associated factors among food handlers working in food establishments of Kawambwa central part, in Luapula province of Zambia.Quantitative study design was conducted among 70 food handlers working in 13 food establishments (restaurants and lodges), and 10 members of regulatory bodies.Data were collected using face to face interview with pretested structured questionnaire and physical observation.In this study, poor sanitary conditions of restaurants, poor water and sewage systems around restaurant areas, lack of consistent health inspections, and inadequate knowledge about food hygiene were found to be the major contributing factors to poor food hygiene practices in Kawambwa central area.Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that more studies on food hygiene practices should be carried out in other parts of Kawambwa district and also extended to other parts of Zambia as food safety is an important aspect which can help curb foodborne disease outbreaks.It is also recommended that health inspections should be scheduled and carried out more often by relevant authorities in the area.