Food handling practice and associated factors among food handlers working in food establishments in Woldia town, Northeast Ethiopia

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to assess food handling practice and associated factors among food handlers working in public food and drink establishments in Woldia town, Northeast Ethiopia.Results: Of the total 288 participated food handlers, 91.7% were females, and 82.3% were single, while 69.8% were literate. Ninety-four (32.6%) of them were under 15-20 years age and the median age was 23.3year. The proportion of good food handling practice was 134 (46.5%)[95% CI (confidence interval): 41.00, 52.40]. Advanced age [AOR (adjusted odds ratio):12.01; 95%CI 1.96-73.52], education (AOR=2.29; 95% CI=1.05-4.61), service year (AOR=2.43; 95% CI=2.08-3.17), received training (AOR=1.79; 95%CI=1.68-4.71), and inspection by regulatory personnel (AOR=2.24; 95%CI=1.05-3.09) were positively associated with food handler's food handling practices. This study showed that the food handling practice was poor. Age, education, service year, training received, and sanitary inspection visit by regulatory personnel were factors significantly associated with food handler's food handling practices. Food handling and safety training to food handlers, establishment owners, and regular sanitary inspection visits of public food service establishments by regulatory authority is compulsory.