Date of Conferral

2016

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Roland Thorpe

Abstract

The incidence and prevalence of food safety practices among food staff working in food establishments in Manitoba is underrepresented and has not been adequately reviewed and researched. Uncertified food staff are at higher risk of not following food safety practices that can cause contamination of food and result in foodborne illness. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the prevalence of food safety practices among food staff in Manitoba and to determine the relationship between food safety certification and routine health inspections. Pender's health promotion model and Bandura's social cognitive theory were used to explain the relationships and associations between variables. Archived data dating from 2012 to 2014 of health inspection reports on 558 food establishments were collected and analyzed using the Manitoba Health Hedgehog database. Chi Square, Pearson Correlation Coefficients, and Fisher's Exact Tests revealed the association of food safety practices, routine health inspections, and food safety certification. Results indicated no statistical difference between food safety practices and routine health inspections. Pearson's r analysis revealed a weak relation between routine inspections, internal temperature, thermometer use, and food storage/food protection noncompliance. Logistic regression analysis revealed that food safety certification was not a predictor of food safety practice compliance. This study can provide a bridge to reevaluate current health policies pertaining to food safety practices in Manitoba. This study adheres to the need for social change in establishing and creating prevention programs for food staff. Food safety programs can safeguard the food industry and protect public health from foodborne illnesses.

Download

Share

 
COinS