Food hygiene on merchant ships: the importance of food handlers' training

The effect of food handlers' training on food hygiene has been evaluated on board 22 “ro-ro” merchant ships carrying wheeled vehicles, with small numbers of passengers. The level of application of HACCP rules was assessed by a microbiological evaluation at the beginning of the study, after a cycle of training of food handlers and after the crew change that periodically occurs on each vessel. The results showed a clear improvement of the food hygiene quality after the refresher course, and a worsening after the crew change. Continuous education is needed to assure constantly a good hygienic quality of food.