Purpose: Involving the target population can provide valuable insight into worker preferences and design of pictograms. Employee perceptions of pictogram semantics provide crucial information before effective messages can be created.
Methods: Mailed and telephone food safety needs assessment surveys were sent to meat and poultry HACCP coordinators in the mid-Atlantic region. Focus groups with employees from several facilities that responded were conducted in both English (5) and Spanish (5) based on language availability, geographic location, and size. Participants were asked about training practices, pictogram semantics, and sign preferences.
Results: Of the 308 surveys sent to meat and poultry processing facilities, 47 (15.3%) were completed and returned. Only 53.3% (24/45) currently have pictograms and the most important food safety topics were hand washing (60.9%), cleaning/sanitizing (78.3%), and preventing cross contamination (69.6%). Overall, employees believe color, instructional text, and multiple language options increase employee recognition and retention of intended sign messages. Many Spanish speaking employees preferred red/yellow food safety colored signs, while English speaking employees preferred differently colored signs. While Spanish speakers preferred a horizontal orientation, English speaking employees had no preference for sign orientation.
Significance: Understanding the food safety needs of meat and poultry processing facilities combined with knowing employee preferences can help create relevant food safety pictograms. Pictograms may enhance worker compliance with basic food safety practices. Based on the survey and focus groups’ feedback, a new handwashing sign with minimal English and Spanish text was created and is undergoing evaluation for effectiveness.