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- Title
Survey of Observed Vendor Food-handling Practices at Farmers' Markets in British Columbia, Canada.
- Authors
McIntyre, Lorraine; Karden, Leyla; Shyng, Sion; Allen, Kevin
- Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess food safety practices and support systems of farmers' markets in British Columbia, Canada. Observations of food vendor stall sites, hand washing, samples offered for tasting, temperature control and preserved items were assessed for compliance with provincial guidelines. Support systems were evaluated by use of a survey tool and through key informant interviews of farmers' market managers. Seven farmers' markets and 21 vendors were observed to have good general site compliance. Six markets had issues with parking and with pets brought by visitors; five had managers on site; and four had a main handwashing station. No hand washing occurred during more than six hours of direct observation, gloves were not used appropriately, many vendors handled money and food without washing their hands, offered samples for tasting incorrectly or did not have the required hand washing stations at their stall. Although cold storage temperatures were maintained mechanically or with ice packs, four vendors did not have their food under effective temperature control. Three market managers expressed food safety concerns that included poor food safety practices, poor hand washing and food/ money cross-contamination issues. Although most vendors and markets comply with written food safety guideline requirements, direct observation suggests that improvements are required in the areas of hand washing and temperature control.
- Subjects
CANADA; FOOD handling safety measures; FARMERS' markets; FOOD safety; FOOD industry; FOOD storage safety measures
- Publication
Food Protection Trends, 2014, Vol 34, Issue 6, p397
- ISSN
1541-9576
- Publication type
Article