Effectiveness of training among food handlers: A review on the Mauritian Framework

Yousouf Gaungoo¹ and Rajesh Jeewon^2*

¹Ministry of Health and Quality of Life, Mauritius.
²Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius.

Food handlers are crucial links in the food chain from farm to fork. The safety of our food depends largely on them. However malpractices have been reported on numerous occasions resulting in food poisoning outbreaks. Therefore it is essential that food handlers are properly trained so that they take the necessary precautions to avoid such accidents.  The current review analyses the Mauritian model of food handlers training which is mandatory according to the Food Regulations (1999). Although the present model is accessible to the general public as it regionalised and free of charge, there are several weaknesses such as absence of continuous education, no targeted modules and assessment. It is important that these issues be addressed in order to improve the effectiveness of this model. This review also addresses the importance of the food handlers training, conflicting views about the efficiency of training staff to improve food safety practices and provides a critical appraisal of its importance.

Training, Food handlers,Food safety,Foodborne diseases

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