Purpose: The objective of the research reported here was to systematically and objectively observe and document conditions related to food safety risks and sanitation in the kitchens of 100 consumers in an urban environment.
Methods: Participants were recruited from the city of Philadelphia, PA, utilizing flyers combined with a screening phone call. Homes were visited by two trained researchers who independently utilized the previously developed audit tool to document conditions related to sanitation, refrigeration and food storage in the homes of 100 consumers. Consumers were reimbursed $50 cash for their participation. Results of the audit tool observations were used to measure consumers’ compliance with recommended food safety practices.
Results: Participants demographics included 47% African American, 39% Caucasian and 12% Hispanic. Forty-four percent of participants had a household income below $25,000/year. Potential food safety risks identified included evidence of pest infestation in kitchens (68%), perishable food stored at room temperature (28%), and raw meat stored above ready-to-eat foods or packaged incorrectly (97% of homes where raw meat was present). Only 4% of refrigerators had a thermometer, 42% of refrigerators were above 5°C and 3% of homes did not have hot water.
Significance: This research indicates that significant food safety and sanitation risks, including high levels of pest infestation, may exist in the homes of urban consumers.