Investigating the hygienic practices of kitchens in the senior high schools in the Sekyere South District

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to assess the hygienic practices of kitchens in the Senior High Schools in the Sekyere South District. The researcher used descriptive research design for the study. Quantitative research approach was used. The population was made up of 6 Matrons, and 51 Kitchen staff of the selected Senior High Schools in the Sekyere South District totaling 57 in all. Census sampling technique was used to select all the fifty seven (57) participants for the study. Questionnaire was the main research instrument used to gather primary data. The statistical package for social scientist (SPSS version 16) was used to analyze the data. The study results revealed that 56.4% agreed that effective personal hygiene practices in the school kitchen prevented food contamination. Moreover, 65.5% agreed that effective hand washing practices prevented food contamination. To add more, 61.8% agreed that effective environmental hygiene prevented food contamination. The study findings revealed that 87.3% of the respondents agreed that they washed their hands properly and frequently. Moreover, 65.5% agreed that cooks covered wounds completely. Also, 67.3% agreed that cooks wore clean and proper uniforms. Moreover, 87.3% agreed that effective measures that prevented food contamination in the school kitchen were the frequent use of separate equipment and utensils such as knives and cutting boards for handling raw foods prevented food prevented food contamination in the school kitchen, storing food in containers to avoid contact between raw and prepared foods, washing fruits and vegetables, especially if eaten raw can prevent food from being contaminated, removing outer leaves of leafy vegetables, can also prevent contamination. Moreover, 78.2% indicated that cooking food thoroughly; making sure that the temperature has reached 70°C prevented food contamination. The study recommended that the Food and Drugs Authority should continue to enforce strict rules and regulations that can ensure the compliance to food safety standards in school catering.