Policy options on reduction of foodborne diseases.
Year: 2014
Type: article
Abstract: This study explores policy options that can reduce prevalence of foodborne diseases. Using FoodNet surveillance data from 1997-2004, hazard risk index of mortality (HRI) was calculated and the relationship between age, gender and ethnicity were explored and used to develop policy options. The results show there were significant association between risk of mortality from Salmonella outbreaks and children (rho = .851**, p = .007) and statistically significant (p<0.01); Listeria outbreaks and ages (20-30 (rho = .752, p = .032); 50-60 (rho = .727, p = .041)); and men (rho =.812*, p = .014). Finally, there were strong associations between HRI and Hispanics, (rho = 1.00) for Listeria compared to all other ethnic groups and for E. coli and the Asian ethnicity (rho = .707, p = .050). The conclusion of this paper is that public education and awareness of foodborne diseases is not adequate. Because there were statistically significant (p<0.05) association between HRI and age, gender and ethnicity, policy options should include food safety education, with emphasis to the ethnic groups, daycare/nursing homes workers, young and old. Consumption of raw or undercooked animal/seafood should be discouraged. Conclusively, public education on food safety and awareness of foodborne pathogens should be the responsibility of the government, health-care givers, parents and teachers.
Source: Food and public health
Authors: Olasunmbo A. Ajayi, Jacob Oluwoye, Lisa L. Williams
Language: English
Topic: Food Safety and Hygiene
Subfield: Food Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7439754