Identifying food safety knowledge gaps among restaurant food handlers in Bolzano, Italy.

摘要

Between June and November 2010, an oral survey was administered in Italian and German to 100 food handlers in 100 restaurants to determine food safety knowledge gaps among restaurant food handlers in Bolzano, Italy. Based on responses to 40 knowledge questions, the overall knowledge score was 65%. Bivariate analysis revealed race as the only characteristic associated with knowledge score (P<0.05). Food handlers most frequently gave incorrect answers to the questions concerning temperatures for cooking and holding foods, beef, cross-contamination, and hygiene practices. Language-specific differences in knowledge were observed. This study demonstrates the need for ongoing education of restaurant food handlers regarding proper behaviors related to handling of high-risk foods.