Evaluation of Hygienic and Morbidity Status of Food Handlers at Eating Establishment in Coimbatore District, South India – An Empirical Study

The purpose of the study is to assess the health status of food handlers working in food establishments in and around Coimbatore, South India, by conducting face to face interview using pre-tested questionnaire. Of the 163 food handlers responded, the majority of them were young in age 43 (26.4%) between 15-24 years and 35-44 years. Most of food handlers were cooks 44 (26.9%) and literate 126 (77.3%). Moreover the prevalence of morbidity was found to be 59 (36.2%), period prevalence was 111 (68.1%) and 5 (9.8%) were anemic. The study demonstrated that the food handlers in this region have lack of knowledge regarding the hygienic behaviour and safety food practices. The need of the hour is to educate and increase the knowledge of awareness among the food handlers regarding safe food handling practices. Also health examination of food handler must be done at regular interval of time.