Food Safety Knowledge of Secondary School Pupils in South Wales, UK

Introduction: The Food Standards Agency reported that 500,000 people in the UK succumb to foodborne illness, annually. To reduce the risk of foodborne illness, consumers need to be informed of domestic food safety (FS) risks and risk-reducing behaviours. Although school pupils (11–16years) may not be currently responsible for domestic food preparation, FS knowledge/behaviours developed at this age may carry into adulthood. Determination of school pupils FS knowledge gives insight into the need for FS education of future consumers. To date, UK data detailing the FS knowledge of young adults is lacking.

Purpose: This study determined school pupil’s FS knowledge.

Methods: Secondary school pupils (11-16 years old) (n=722) attending careers events in South-Wales completed seven multiple choice FS questions.

Results: On average, school pupils correctly answered 4/7 FS questions; 14% correctly answered all questions. Knowledge scores were significantly different (p<0.001) between girls (Md=5, n=422) and boys (Md=4, n=270). A significant difference was, also, observed according to age (p<0.001). Findings established that 60% were aware a refrigerator should operate at 4°C, 63% reported that food poisoning bacteria would multiply readily between 5–63°C. The majority (77%) identified which food product was likely to contain the most bacteria and 70% correctly identified occasions that would require hand washing. Although 72% were aware that foodborne infection can result from FS malpractices at retail, industry, and domestic environments, the domestic kitchen was identified as the most likely source. Knowledge regarding freezing was determined to be lacking, with only 55% indicating awareness that a freezer should operate at -18°C and 26% believing that freezing kills bacteria. Although more than a quarter (29%) reported studying food technology/home economics at school, no significant differences in the FS knowledge of these students was determined (p>0.05).

Significance: Overall, 23-40% lacked sufficient FS knowledge, suggesting a need for FS education programs targeting school pupils. Furthermore there is a need to establish where/how school pupils obtain FS information.