Hygienic-sanitary conditions in hospital nutrition services during intervention period

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary conditions in hospital nutrition services during of systematic intervention period based on requirements for personal and environmental hygiene. Fifteen hospital nutrition services were evaluated using a checklist and a microbiological analysis of the hands of food handlers and surfaces in contact with foods, before and after the intervention. The intervention was developed and conducted at the locations for one year by a third-party professional and included three stages: 1) application of checklist and action plan; 2) trainings; 3) monthly visits for motivation of handlers, supervisory technicians, and assistance and supervision in the implementation of the requirements regarding personal and environmental hygiene. The aerobic mesophilic microorganisms were studied as well as Staphylococcus aureus, total coliforms and thermotolerant coliforms. It was found that the personal hygiene and environmental conditions at the hospital nutrition services improved and there was decreased contamination of hands and surfaces after intervention. It was concluded that the systematic intervention by outside professional helped hygienic-sanitary conditions in hospital nutrition services meet the requirements and provide positive changes in the conduct of food handlers.