The differences between observed and self-reported food safety practices: A study with food handlers using structural...

Area of Science:

• Food Safety
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) studies are common but yield controversial results regarding practices.
• Self-assessment and observation are primary methods for evaluating food handler practices, often used interchangeably despite potential differences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To differentiate between observed and self-reported food safety practices.
• To verify the effect of variables on food safety indicators using structural equation modeling.
• To examine the relationship between cognitive factors and food safety practices.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire assessed food safety knowledge, attitudes, self-reported practices, and risk perceptions in 183 food handlers.
• Observed practices were evaluated using a checklist during a typical workday.
• Two structural equation models were developed based on self-reported and observed data.

Main Results:

• Self-reported practices showed a positive effect of knowledge and a negative effect of risk perception; attitudes moderated the knowledge-practice link.
• Observed practices demonstrated a positive effect of knowledge, with attitudes strengthening this relationship but not directly impacting practices.
• Risk perception negatively influenced self-reported practices, while attitudes did not directly affect observed practices.

Conclusions:

• Self-reported and observed food safety practices are distinct metrics.
• Evaluation methods for food handler practices require careful consideration and proper interpretation.
• Understanding the interplay of knowledge, attitudes, and risk perception is crucial for improving food safety behaviors.