Food Sanitation of Cafeterias Khon Kaen University

Abstract

This cross-sectional study investigated the sanitary conditions of food being
served by the cafeterias at the Khon Kaen University. The following variables were
determined: Contamination of ‘Escherichia coli’, ‘Staphylococcus aureus’, ‘yeast’ and
‘mold’ in food and beverages in seven food categories including: 1) sauté(72 samples), 2)
soups(40 samples) 3) curries(52 samples), 4) ‘Thai salad (Yum)’ or ‘Esarn salad (Larb)’ (36
samples), 5) topping dish (boiled or fried chicken with marinated rice, stewed pork on rice,
red roast pork on rice; used cutting board before serve) (24 samples), 6) green papaya
salad(10 samples) and 7) beverages(176 samples). The total number of the samples
including both food and beverages included 410 food items. The method of analysis were
based on the specified standard for Food Analysis worked out by the Department of
Health, Ministry of Public Health. According to the microbiological quality indices for
Staphylococcus aureus contamination, it was found that all types of green papaya
salad(100%)exceeded the standard, followed by ‘Yum’ or ‘Larb’ (91.6%) and topping dish
(58.3%). For that of the MPN Escherichia coli, it was found that food in the ‘Yum’ or ‘Larb’
exceeded the standard accounted for 58.3%, green papaya salad (40.0%) and topping dish
(8.3%). For that in the part of the mold, it showed that all types of green papaya salad
exceeded the standard and beverages (55.6%). According to the investigation of the yeast,
the standard excess was found in beverages, 60.2% and green papaya salad (50.0%). The
contamination of the coliform bacteria (SI-2), which was in excess of the standard on the
utensils of the 69 samples was 74.1% and the over standard on hands was found 30
samples, 75.0%. According to the cafeteria inspection following the assessment form of the
Ministry Public Health in 12 faculties, there was only one of such faculties that met the
good standard. From the classification of 12 cafeterias, Highest of problem from the
inspection form were without or unavailable of exhausted hood, ducts, fans and filters of
83.3 percent,without or unavailable at least a 2-compartment sink with two integral metal
drain boards shall be used for washing of 75.0 percent, without or unavailable condition of
grease interceptors of 75.0 percent.