“Of course I handle food safely: it’s them you should worry about”

Many people assume that food-borne illnesses are a result of dodgy food outlets. But it’s also a result of unsafe practices in the home.

154 university students in the US participated in research to observe their food handling behaviours.

The students were observed preparing two simple recipes (chicken fajitas followed by uncooked salsa), which were selected to contain: raw animal protein to be sliced and cooked; a raw vegetable that was to be chopped and served raw; and a meat-based sauce that could be reheated.

Observers rated the students on such things as: hand washing; raw chicken being kept away from ready-to-eat food; washing the board and utensils that had been in contact with raw chicken; reheating the sauce to a boiling temperature; and storing foods appropriately in the fridge.

Disturbingly, only 60% of the students washed their hands before beginning food preparation and only 40% washed their hands after handling raw chicken.

Overall the students performed only 50% of recommended safe food handling practices.

This compares to a previous study which asked students about their behaviours: they claimed to practice around 75% of safe food handling practices.

The researchers highlight a disconnect between what people think they do and what they really do. They also highlight that these behaviours are putting people’s health at risk.

Source: British Food Journal, July 2007