A survey study toinvestigate food handler’sknowledge, attitudes andbehaviour towards foodsafety and food practicesin restaurants in Liverpool

Food establishments are on the rise in the United Kingdom, producing a widevariety of cuisine to cater for a variety of tastes in a global market. However, asignificant proportion of the population will experience a foodborne illness atsome point in their lives, and in 2018 alone there were estimated to be 2.4million food borne illness related cases in the UK [1]with a resulting 180 deathsper year. Whilst Local Authorities monitor and inspect these establishmentsperiodically, the importance of those who work within food business cannot beunderestimated. As such the aim of this research study was to explore foodhandlers’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour towards food safety and foodhandling practices in restaurants within Liverpool. Using both convenience andsnowball sampling, the research employed a quantitative online questionnaire togather data from the target population of food handlers. The responses from 52participants were then analysed using a combination of Microsoft Excel andSPSS version 28. The results of the study reveal that food handlers in Liverpoolfood businesses have a generally satisfactory level of food safety knowledge;their attitudes expressed demonstrated a strong positive approach and theyengage in safe behaviour. However, the results show some areas of concern:knowledge surrounding harmful pathogens was lacking; behaviour in relation tothe use of mobile phones in the kitchen and attitudes towards attending workwhilst unwell. Therefore whilst the overall knowledge, attitude and behaviours offood handlers appears acceptable that does not mean they do not pose risk tocustomers. Whilst all participants had received training, this did not alwaystranslate into improved food handling knowledge, attitudes or behaviours.Training, therefore, must be tailored to reflect the needs to the individual withthe understanding that knowledge, attitudes and behaviours are linked.