Hygienic practices of caterers/ cooks operating the Ghanaian school feeding programme in some selected schools in Koforidua municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana

Abstract

The study aimed at identifying the hygienic practices among caterers/cooks operating the Ghanaian School Feeding Programme in Koforidua Municipality. It specifically sought to ascertain the personal, food and environmental hygiene status of the caterers in the school feeding programme and assess the nutritional adequacy of the meals prepared. Descriptive survey design was adopted and the population consisted of the beneficiary schools in New Juaben Municipality in Koforidua, Eastern Region of Ghana. Purposive sampling method was used to select 60 participants for the study. Interview and observation were the main instruments used for the study. The study found that, the meals provided have not achieved the aim of the GSFP because it was ascertained from the study that some of the caterers/cooks are poor in practicing hygiene and the meals provided are not nutritious as expected. The study recommended among other things that Caterers/ cooks should involve expert in designing the menus for them. Also, there should be efficient inspection of kitchens of caterers/cooks and how food is dispensed to people. For hygiene, the key actors in the SFP should give periodic education on the importance of applying best hygienic practices in the preparation and handling to the caterers/cooks and insist the right thing is done.