O-39 The Microbial Burden in Poultry Broiler Chickens and the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the poultry meat handler in Barbados
Author(s):
J C Browne , M Gittens-St. Hilaire
Year of Presentation:
2022
Objective: To determine the correlation between the findings of Knowledge Attitude Practice survey (KAPs) administered to poultry processing plant workers with the microbial burden of poultry.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was deployed to poultry workers randomly selected from 18 poultry plants across the seven polyclinics under the Ministry of Health & Wellness in Barbados. Consenting respondents completed an administered KAP questionnaire composed of 48 questions based on killing, evisceration, cutting, packing, and training history in the poultry processing plant. Responses were uploaded to REDCap and statistically analyzed using Stata Version 16.1. Chicken breast meat sample data obtained from results as part of the “CISARA” from the Veterinary Services in Barbados were also analyzed. A multivariant regression model was used to analyze the possible impact of the level of food safety training compared with respondents’ sex, age, and experience.
Results: Respondents (n = 201) were comprised of managers (n = 18) and food handlers (n = 183) (M 28.4%, F 71.6%). Food handlers’ odds of food safety training decreased by 42% for every additional year of experience (OR = 0.58, p < 0.001). Isolates of Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. were spread across all catchment areas with highs ranging from 6% and 91% respectively, in the Randal Phillips catchment to lows of 2% and 2% respectively, in the David Thompson catchment.
Conclusion: A comprehensive training program is needed to address gaps in knowledge, attitudes and practice found in the study to improve the handling practices of poultry meat workers.