Assessing food safety and hygiene practices in old age homes in Mangaung and Lejweleputswa regions, free state
IntroductionPoor food handling, improper cooking, and inadequate storage practices contribute to the spread of harmful pathogens, particularly in vulnerable environments such as old age homes. Ensuring compliance with food safety regulations is essential to protect elderly residents from foodborne i...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Food Science and Technology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frfst.2025.1541499/full |
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| author | Tshegofatso Nhabe Ntsoaki J. Malebo |
| author_facet | Tshegofatso Nhabe Ntsoaki J. Malebo |
| author_sort | Tshegofatso Nhabe |
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| description | IntroductionPoor food handling, improper cooking, and inadequate storage practices contribute to the spread of harmful pathogens, particularly in vulnerable environments such as old age homes. Ensuring compliance with food safety regulations is essential to protect elderly residents from foodborne illnesses.MethodsThis study assessed food safety practices in 14 old age homes (N = 14) in the Free State, South Africa. Data were collected using questionnaires (N = 80) to evaluate food handlers’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Additionally, a food safety checklist was used to assess compliance with hygiene and safety standards.ResultsThe study identified gaps in food safety practices and regulatory compliance. Non-compliance was observed in 5 facilities (35%), with key issues including inadequate handwashing facilities, limited access to hot water, and insufficient personal protective equipment. While 9 facilities (65%) adhered to food safety regulations, stricter enforcement of measures is necessary to ensure consistent adherence. Although participants demonstrated a good understanding of personal hygiene, proper food handling, sanitation, and microbial contamination prevention, a gap remained between knowledge and practical application.DiscussionThe findings highlight the need for improved food safety measures in old age homes. Enhancing hygiene infrastructure, conducting frequent inspections, providing regular food safety training, and enforcing standard operating procedures (SOPs) are critical for mitigating risks. Strengthening these aspects will contribute to safeguarding the health and well-being of elderly residents. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-d0a1c2a5c98c42a19a4c453a5a6356bf |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2674-1121 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Food Science and Technology |
| spelling | doaj-art-d0a1c2a5c98c42a19a4c453a5a6356bf2025-02-11T06:59:49ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Food Science and Technology2674-11212025-02-01510.3389/frfst.2025.15414991541499Assessing food safety and hygiene practices in old age homes in Mangaung and Lejweleputswa regions, free stateTshegofatso Nhabe0Ntsoaki J. Malebo1Department of Environmental Health, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South AfricaDepartment of Life Sciences, Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, Free State, South AfricaIntroductionPoor food handling, improper cooking, and inadequate storage practices contribute to the spread of harmful pathogens, particularly in vulnerable environments such as old age homes. Ensuring compliance with food safety regulations is essential to protect elderly residents from foodborne illnesses.MethodsThis study assessed food safety practices in 14 old age homes (N = 14) in the Free State, South Africa. Data were collected using questionnaires (N = 80) to evaluate food handlers’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Additionally, a food safety checklist was used to assess compliance with hygiene and safety standards.ResultsThe study identified gaps in food safety practices and regulatory compliance. Non-compliance was observed in 5 facilities (35%), with key issues including inadequate handwashing facilities, limited access to hot water, and insufficient personal protective equipment. While 9 facilities (65%) adhered to food safety regulations, stricter enforcement of measures is necessary to ensure consistent adherence. Although participants demonstrated a good understanding of personal hygiene, proper food handling, sanitation, and microbial contamination prevention, a gap remained between knowledge and practical application.DiscussionThe findings highlight the need for improved food safety measures in old age homes. Enhancing hygiene infrastructure, conducting frequent inspections, providing regular food safety training, and enforcing standard operating procedures (SOPs) are critical for mitigating risks. Strengthening these aspects will contribute to safeguarding the health and well-being of elderly residents.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frfst.2025.1541499/fullfood handlersfood handling practicesfood safety knowledgequality assurancehygiene compliancelegislative compliance |
| spellingShingle | Tshegofatso Nhabe Ntsoaki J. Malebo Assessing food safety and hygiene practices in old age homes in Mangaung and Lejweleputswa regions, free state Frontiers in Food Science and Technology food handlers food handling practices food safety knowledge quality assurance hygiene compliance legislative compliance |
| title | Assessing food safety and hygiene practices in old age homes in Mangaung and Lejweleputswa regions, free state |
| title_full | Assessing food safety and hygiene practices in old age homes in Mangaung and Lejweleputswa regions, free state |
| title_fullStr | Assessing food safety and hygiene practices in old age homes in Mangaung and Lejweleputswa regions, free state |
| title_full_unstemmed | Assessing food safety and hygiene practices in old age homes in Mangaung and Lejweleputswa regions, free state |
| title_short | Assessing food safety and hygiene practices in old age homes in Mangaung and Lejweleputswa regions, free state |
| title_sort | assessing food safety and hygiene practices in old age homes in mangaung and lejweleputswa regions free state |
| topic | food handlers food handling practices food safety knowledge quality assurance hygiene compliance legislative compliance |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frfst.2025.1541499/full |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT tshegofatsonhabe assessingfoodsafetyandhygienepracticesinoldagehomesinmangaungandlejweleputswaregionsfreestate AT ntsoakijmalebo assessingfoodsafetyandhygienepracticesinoldagehomesinmangaungandlejweleputswaregionsfreestate |