Quality of indoor air environment and hygienic practices are potential vehicles for bacterial contamination in University cafeteria: case study from Haramaya University, Ethiopia. Issue 3 (4th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gebrehiwot, Mesfin
• Is Part Of: International journal of environmental health research. Volume 32:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 511
• Page End: 521
• Publication Date: 2022-03-04
• Subjects: Consumer safety -- food handlers -- indoor air -- swab samples -- University cafeteria; Environmental health -- Periodicals; 363.7
• DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2020.1781065
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-3123

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to investigate the microbial quality of indoor air environment and hygienic practices of food handlers in Haramaya University cafeteria, Ethiopia. A total of 36 air samples were collected from the cafeteria using passive air sampling technique. Furthermore, 42 swab samples were taken from the hands and clothes of food handlers for microbial analysis. The results showed that air quality in the cafeteria is below satisfactory. Total coliform counts from all the swab samples were also above the acceptable microbial target value. Significantly higher microbial load was recorded in food handlers involved in serving food than these deployed in baking and sauce making roles. This study generally showed the importance of indoor air quality, and hands and clothes of food handlers as potential sources of bacterial contamination in the University's cafeteria. Therefore, improved housing condition, regular training, and close supervision are recommended.