Investigation on the knowledge associated with foodborne diseases in consumers of northeastern Portugal

Foodborne diseases represent a widespread and growing public health problem worldwide. The global occurrence of these diseases is difficult to calculate, but high levels of mortality have been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge of food handler's and consumers concerning foodborne diseases, personal hygiene, risk groups, temperature control, cross-contamination and cleaning in the municipality of Mirandela, northeastern Portugal. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire from a convenience sample of 400 adults aged 18 years or older. The majority of respondents had a level of knowledge regarded as sufficient about the control of temperature in food. In addition, participants also demonstrated to be well informed on measures of hygiene. Most of the participants correctly answered questions about knowledge related to cross-contamination. This survey showed that there is a gap in the consumers' knowledge on foodborne microbiological and parasitological agents. The respondents with a lower level of public education presented significantly higher knowledge than participants with an academic degree. In conclusion, in order to reduce occurrence, it is necessary to continue improving the knowledge on foodborne diseases, not only for the final consumer but also throughout of the whole production and distribution chain, as well as in restaurants. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.