Food handling: Comparative analysis of general knowledge and practice in three relevant groups in Portugal

A self-administered questionnaire designed to assess “Knowledge” and “Practice” of public hygiene measures was tested in a group of food handlers (n = 79) and two groups of undergraduate students (n = 152). Students were poorly acquainted with practical aspects, relating specifically to temperature control and food storage requirements. A significant proportion of food handlers lacked basic knowledge and understanding of microbiological hazards, hygiene and safety rules. The mean food safety “Knowledge” score among food handlers was 55.0 ± 18 and the mean “Practice” score was 69.0 ± 17. The results point to the need to improve training and increasing awareness of the measures imposed by food safety laws in Europe.