Food Sanitation Measures in the Department of Medical Sciences Welfare Restaurant by using Coliform Bacteria Contamination Index Using the SI-2 Test Kit

Abstract

         This study aimed to evaluate coliform bacterial contamination in ready-to-eat foods, food-contact utensils, and food handlers’ hands at the welfare canteen of the Department of Medical Sciences under the “DMSc. Healthy Canteen” project. The SI-2 test kit was used, and the assessment results were applied to establish food sanitation improvement measures through training programs on good hygiene practices and sanitation for food handlers, in order to sustainably enhance the food safety system. A total of 163 samples were collected: 85 ready-to-eat food samples, 13 food-contact utensil samples, and 65 food handler hand samples. In the first assessment of fiscal year 2024, contamination was found in 77.78% of ready-to-eat food samples, 60.00% of utensil samples, and 36.00% of hand samples. In the second assessment, contamination levels decreased: ready-to-eat foods dropped to 25.93%, no contamination was found on utensils, and 44.44% of hand samples were contaminated. In fiscal year 2025, contamination decreased substantially. Comparing the results for ready-to-eat foods between the first assessment of 2024 and 2025, contamination decreased by 68.10%, with high statistical significance (|Z| = 5.25, p < 0.00001). Contamination in food-contact utensils and food handlers’ hands combined decreased to 34.45%, also with statistical significance (|Z| = 3.41, p < 0.01) |Z| value > 1.96 indicates that the proportions of the two groups are statistically significantly different. The findings indicate that the food sanitation measures and awareness-raising activities were effective in significantly reducing coliform contamination and support the sustainable development of safe canteens in Thailand.