Zhongguo shipin weisheng zazhi (Jul 2022)
Survey of knowledge, attitude and practice on food safety among professional technicians in food microbiology laboratories in China
Abstract
ObjectiveTo investigate the current situation of food safety knowledge, attitude and behavior (KAP) among professional technicians in food microbiology laboratory in China and explore the influencing factors, so as to provide the reference for improving their comprehensive ability.MethodsA questionnaire survey of food safety KAP covering 15 provinces in China was conducted among professional technicians in food microbiology laboratories subordinate to provincial, municipal and district (county) government departments and food microbiology laboratories of non-governmental organizations such as third-party institutions and enterprises, and the results were analyzed using statistical methods.ResultsA total of 1 505 questionnaires were collected and 1 386 were valid with an average score of 0.63 ± 0.14. Except for gender and the time of recent training, there were significant differences in the food safety KAP scores at different ages, academic qualifications, years of employment, professional background, department subordinated, administration levels, region where the lab was located and usual training form. A positive correlation had been found among knowledge, attitude and behavior scores.ConclusionAlthough some professionals got full marks, the average score was only slightly higher than the qualified level. The results of statistical analysis suggested that some professionals such as new recruits and professional technicians with lower academic qualification should pay attention to the improvement of food safety knowledge and accumulation of work experience, so as to constantly improving their professional skills. The comprehensive knowledge on food safety of technicians from laboratory at municipal and district (county) levels should also be strengthened. The technical trainings in the form of on-site training were suggested.
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