The Sanitary Conditions of Food Service Establishments in the University Samut-Prakan Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional survey study was performed. The objectives of this study were to assess the food sanitary conditions of food service establishments (FESs) and to determine the contamination of prohibited substances in food and food additive according to the food sanitation standard and related regulation in a university of Samut-Prakan Province. Food sanitary conditions of 28 FESs were surveyed by using cafeteria surveying form of the Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Public Health, and 84 samples of food were collected in order to determine Borax, Salicylic acid, Formalin, Free mineral acid, Sodium hydrosulfite and synthetic color by using Test Kits. The result found that 60.71% of FSEs were a good level of the food sanitation standard, while 39.29% of FSEs were below the standard. 3.57% of all samples were found Borax, while neither prohibited substances in food nor food additive was found in 96.43% of all samples. This study revealed that food sanitary conditions and contaminated chemicals in food are important factor of food safety for FSEs. Therefore, this study recommends to a University improve on environment and equipment of FESs, including food sanitation through overall service area. Moreover, the relevant agencies should regulate FESs to appropriate operation in food sanitation, personal hygiene and environment. These ensure that foods in the university are safe for students and academic staffs.