Evaluating food safety perceptions and practices for agricultural food handler

This study investigates food safety perceptions and agricultural food handling practices, as well as satisfaction with the work performance of such handlers. Data are collected from 333 food handlers at agricultural food processing companies or restaurants. Data is analyzed by SPSS, with statistical analyses including descriptive statistics, t tests and regression analyses. Dimensions pertaining to food safety perception and practices include personal sanitation, pre-handling food preparation, food preparation and after food preparation. The scales of food safety perception during analysis are higher than what are typically found in practice, and some gaps are identified. Analysis results indicate that food preparation and after food preparation dimensions have significantly higher mean values than those associated with pre-food handling and personal sanitation. Regression analysis further demonstrates that satisfaction with work performance can accurately predict food safety perception and practice components. Moreover, their handling practices mediate how perception affects satisfaction with work performance of food handlers.