Purpose: The purpose of study was to assess and evaluate the current food safety practices adopted by various food establishments and food safety knowledge and awareness among food handlers.
Methods: In present study, a cross sectional Survey of 500 food establishments of 9 towns of Lahore capital which are under jurisdiction of Punjab Food Authority was carried out in collaboration with Punjab Food Authority. Evaluations were done by structured questionnaire that was prepared as per requirements of Food Code 2013 Dubai Municipality and Food Code 2013 United States Public Health Services. The food establishments rated against criteria set by Food Standards Agency, UK. SPSS version 16 was used for all data analysis and descriptive statistics.
Results: Results of this study showed that food establishments have not properly adopted food safety practices. Thirty-six percent (36%) food premises needs immediate improvement,75% needs major improvement, only 2% food establishments have showed good sign. In personnel hygiene, 17% food establishments’ needs immediate improvement and 26% require major improvement. Almost 80% food establishments require immediate improvement on account of their maintenance and infrastructure. Sixty percent (60%) food establishments require urgent improvement in response to control of operation. Conditions on fast food chains and on manufacturing industry are comparatively better.
Significance: This study is quite helpful for food establishments to improve and adopt food safety practices, to curtail the risks of food borne diseases and to minimize the health consequences associated with the consumption of unsafe food in Pakistan.