uniform is a key to the prevention of food borne illness. Participating establishments all
practiced washing of hands because respondents perceived it as a vital protection and
removing pathogenic microorganisms that may contaminate food and cause food-borne illness.
All participants of the study observed measures to detect any visible lesions, cuts and
wound among its food handler. Hand gloves are used to handle food for single use; smoking
and eating in designated areas; and undergoing physical examination signify that participants
recognized the importance of the mentioned standards. All these procedures are observed to
prevent pathogenic microorganisms to transfer into foods that may be carried by the food
handlers body or present in this lesions. These are legal requirements stated in the Food Safety
(General Food Hygiene) Regulations 1995 that requires managers to have provisions for
transmitted diseases, infected wounds, skin infection, sores and the like. The law states that
employer has the responsibility to ensure that all working food handler maintains a high degree
of personal cleanliness, wear suitable clothes and attire and free from any communicable
disease.
Extent of practice of Food Sanitation and Safety for Commercial Kitchen Staff/Steward
Majority of the harmonized standards for commercial kitchen staff and steward are
practiced by the participants to a very great extent. According to ServSafe (2008), purchasing
from approved suppliers is one of the most important considerations to start in safe food
handling. Brownell (2002) mentioned that ensuring food safety starts from the control in the
quality and safety of food and qualified suppliers can control hazards. Proper labeling of food
items before storing is also observed. Respondents perceived it as important to know its
specification, expiration and use. This method also ensures proper stock rotation. Majority of
the respondents also practiced the “First In First Out” policy. Respondents viewed it as one of
the important things to consider in storing goods to maintain quality and freshness. The use of
separate storage containers and racks for dry and non-dry foods and keeping storage shelves
are kept clean and properly labeled are strictly observed. It is stated in the Food Safety
Regulations of 1995 that all articles, fittings or equipment that come in contact with food must
be kept clean at all times.
For preparation and cooking, the use of standardized recipe is also observed.
Standardized recipes are followed by the fast-food chains since food items are pre-prepared in
the commissary. It was observed that in general the fast-food chains are the only ones that
consistently use standard recipe since raw materials are pre-prepared in the Commissary or
central kitchen.
On the other hand, hotels also use standardized recipes but more liberated in the
implementation. This can be explained by the fact that Chefs have their own unique techniques
in food preparation. Deluxe hotels are more lax in this area and allow their Chefs to adjust the
recipe according to their taste or acceptability.