Dissertation
Evaluation of the domestic environment as a reservoir for foodborne pathogens: identification of consumer practices associated with microbial contamination in the home
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
May 2014
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-4532
Abstract
It has been suggested that food prepared in the home contributes to a significant amount of foodborne illness, but little is known about the prevalence of microbial contamination and pathogens in the domestic kitchen. Traditional methods to evaluate consumer food handling behavior have recorded a wide variety of unsafe practices; however there is an overall lack of agreement between studies. There is a need for a standardized tool to objectively evaluate the prevalence and nature of food safety risks in the domestic environment. The purpose of this study was to create a reliable and valid instrument that may be used to identify conditions that correspond to the presence of microbial contamination at home. An audit tool was developed to measure compliance with recommended sanitation, refrigeration and food storage conditions in the domestic kitchen. This tool was pilot tested in 22 homes, and questions that were not sufficiently reliable were revised or eliminated from the final tool. A representative sample of homes in Philadelphia (N=100) was then visited by two trained researchers who collected environmental samples and systematically observed conditions using the revised audit instrument. Many food safety risks were observed, including pest infestation (65%), perishable food at room temperature (16%), refrigerator temperatures above 40°F (48%), and raw meat packaged incorrectly (55%). Microbial analysis found 52% of homes had at least one pathogen present, and 19% of homes had more than one pathogen present. Staphylococcus aureus was present in 39% of homes, most often on refrigerator door handles and kitchen counter tops. Escherichia coli and Listeria were both found in 15% of homes, most often from kitchen sinks and refrigerator drawers, respectively. Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from 3 households (3%). Enteric bacteria indicating possible fecal contamination were found in 44% of homes, and at high levels in sponges. Chi-Square tests identified several conditions that were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the presence of both fecal contamination and foodborne pathogens, including pest infestation, lack of towels in the bathroom and kitchen, presence of raw meat in the refrigerator and the presence of an animal in the kitchen.
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Details
- Title
- Evaluation of the domestic environment as a reservoir for foodborne pathogens
- Creators
- Patricia Ann Borrusso - DU
- Contributors
- Jennifer J. Quinlan (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Biology; College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 4532; 991014632270504721