1

FOOD SAFETY AND SANITARY PRACTICES IN SCHOOL CANTEENS

Introduction

Background of the Study

The school canteen is a great place to promote an enjoyment of healthy eating.

Food safety and sanitary is important in schools, because children are more vulnerable to

illnesses than adults. Therefore, it becomes the duty of all schools to ensure that the

children’s eating habits are nurtured in a way that enhances their health. Schools should

know the safety programme that keeps children free from health hazards and which at the

same time promotes healthy food habits. Another area of concern in school canteens is

packed and processed foods and beverages. These should be periodically checked for best

before and expiry date as children are not educated or aware of the need to check dates,

Minnesota Department of Health (2018).

Food Safety and Sanitary Practices is specifically important in schools since

children can be more susceptible to food borne illnesses. Though a large part of this

initiative is for healthier eating, it does also deal with food safety as well. It is definitely

true that kids need to learn how to eat healthy at their young age for a better adulthood,

but they also need to be able to eat foods in canteens without illness, Australian Institute

of food safety (2018).

Food safety is important especially in school canteens because the students are the

main clients. In this case, there is necessity to ensure the health of the students by

cleaning all the canteens in every school and to ensure the cleanliness of the products.

Students need to learn how to eat healthy at their young age for a better adulthood; they

also need to be able to eat foods in canteens without getting any disease. Working in the
 2
FOOD SAFETY AND SANITARY PRACTICES IN SCHOOL CANTEENS
school canteen means that food is kept safe and clean for student’s consumption. All

canteens have a responsibility to provide safe food. Safe food means that it is prepared,

cooked, transported and to minimize bacterial contamination and growth. Children are

particularly vulnerable so it is essential that school canteen staffs must practice safe food

handling and preparation, The Department of Health,(2016).

Food safety is a scientific discipline describing handling, preparation, and storage

of food in ways that prevent food-borne illness. The occurrence of two or more cases of a

similar illnesses resulting from the ingestion of a common food is known as a food-borne

disease outbreak. This includes a number of routines that should be followed to avoid

potential health hazards. In this way food safety often overlaps with food defense to

prevent harm to consumers. In considering industry to market practices, food safety

considerations include the origins of food including the practices relating to food

labelling, food hygiene, food additives and pesticide residues, as well as policies

on biotechnology and food and guidelines for the management of

governmental import and export inspection and certification systems for foods. In

considering market to consumer practices, the usual thought is that food ought to be safe

in the market and the concern is safe delivery and preparation of the food for the

consumer, The Department of Health, (2016).

Every school in the country should be strongly committed to support student

health and wellbeing through its curriculum and a range of initiatives that offer

opportunities that promote physically fit individuals who love eating healthy food.

Schools are encouraged to implement comprehensive health and wellbeing programs

including food and nutrition education.Canteen operation can be considered one of the
 3
FOOD SAFETY AND SANITARY PRACTICES IN SCHOOL CANTEENS
auxiliary services of the school food handlers have a prime role to play in food business

that is so guarantee that will serve or hygienic or for consumption conscious or

inadvertent contamination of such food places consumers at risk of suffering from food

borne illnesses. In this light that the researchers find it relevant to investigate the Food

Safety and Sanitary Practices in School Canteens in Amadeo National High School.

The results of this study will be beneficial to, first and foremost, Students, as it will

ensure that the product that will be consumed by the students is clean and safe.

Teachers, the results will inform the teachers on the safety practices in the school
canteens.

Administrators, they can implement new rules and regulations for the improvement of the
school canteens.

Canteen staffs, they will be able to enhance their food safety and sanitary procedures and
they may also improve they food safety and sanitary procedure skills.
 4
FOOD SAFETY AND SANITARY PRACTICES IN SCHOOL CANTEENS
Statement of the Problem

This study aims to investigate the safety and sanitary practices of school canteens of

Amadeo National High School and to propose possible enhancement measures.

Specifically, the study aims to answer the following questions:

1. What are the safety practices at school canteens of Amadeo National High

School?

2. What are the enhancements that the school canteen needs? Specifically in the

following categories:

a. Food Handling

b. Food Storing

c. Food Safety

d. Sanitary Practices

3. How can the school canteens enhance the following?

a. Food Handling

b. Food Storing

c. Food Safety

d. Sanitary Practices
-z27:
’w
qA
8,kbT
N
E
plangy.Ifvu103D
Department
Order 52, s.
2008
rdecom
thisO
FOOD SAFETY AND SANITARY PRACTICES IN SCHOOL CANTEENS
Legal Framework

Figure 1: Adapted from the Department Order 52, s.2008 also known as
Compliance with DepEd Policies on Food Safety in Schools

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.
5

there should be a written

agreement between the
concessionaire and school
head;
the school head should
ensure that the food
supplier has a business
permit and sanitary permit;
the school head/canteen
teacher should require a
health certificate for the
food handlers;
the canteen teacher shall
coordinate

food
with

preparation
packaging;
the
municipal health office on
the periodic monitoring of
and

foods should be nutritious,

safe and affordable; and
inspection of
consigned foods shall be
made
the

before
serving/vending them at
 6
FOOD SAFETY AND SANITARY PRACTICES IN SCHOOL CANTEENS
The figure shows the department order 52, s. 2008 or the “Compliance with

DepEd Policies on Food Safety in Schools”. It contains the policies implemented to

oversee the effective management of the school canteens. This order implements the

policies regarding the food safety in School Canteens.

 7
FOOD SAFETY AND SANITARY PRACTICES IN SCHOOL CANTEENS
Conceptual Framework

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUTS

Food Safety and
Sanitary Practices in
School Canteens in
Amadeo National High
School
Definition of Terms
Assessment report of
Food Safety and
Inspection Checklist Sanitary Practices in
School Canteens in
Amadeo National High
Statistical Analysis School
Recommendations for
improvement

FEEDBACK

Figure 2: Paradigm of the research study

The image shows the input, process and output for the study entitled Food Safety

and Sanitary Practices of School Canteens. The input includes the Food Safety and

Sanitary Practices in School Canteens. These will be evaluated by using an inspection

checklist; results will be tallied and subjected to statistical analysis. The output includes

an assessment report of Food Safety and Sanitary Practices in School Canteens in

Amadeo National High School and proposed recommendations for improvement.

 8
FOOD SAFETY AND SANITARY PRACTICES IN SCHOOL CANTEENS
Definition of Terms

Food. These are the things that people and animals eat.

Food Handling. It is the act and process of the creation, preparation, transport, storage,

packaging, sale, service or delivery of food

Food Safety. It is a scientific discipline describing handling, preparation, and storage

of food in ways that prevent food-borne illness.

Food Storing. It is the process in which both cooked and raw materials are stored in

appropriate conditions for future use without any entry or multiplication of

microorganisms.

Product. It is someone or something that is produced or influenced by a particular

environment or experience.

Safety. It is the state of not being dangerous or harmful.

Sanitary. It is the relating to good health or protection from dirt, infection, disease, etc.
 9
FOOD SAFETY AND SANITARY PRACTICES IN SCHOOL CANTEENS
Methodology

This chapter presents a description of the research design selection and

description of respondents, research instruments, data collection procedure and statistical

treatments used.

Research Design

The Quantitative Descriptive research design was used in order to gather data for

the study entitled “Food Safety and Sanitary Practices in School Canteens of Amadeo

National High School”. It is used to examine the food safety and sanitary practices in

school canteens of Amadeo National High School and in order to extrapolate key themes

and results that help predict future trends, illuminate previously hidden issues that can be

applied to practice, and/or provide a means for understanding an important research

problem with greater clarity.

Respondents/Subjects and Sampling

The respondents of this study are the school canteen of Amadeo National High

School. The researchers also used purposeful sampling method. It is used to study the

safety and sanitary procedures in the school canteen to recommend proper procedures and

also to ensure the safety of every customer.

Research Instrument

The researchers used an inspection form to evaluate the safety and sanitary

practices of the school canteens in Amadeo National High School. The inspection form

has five parts including food handling, food safety, food storing, sanitary procedures and
 10
FOOD SAFETY AND SANITARY PRACTICES IN SCHOOL CANTEENS
food handlers. The inspection form also consisted of items that determine the food safety

and sanitary practices of school canteens.

Data Gathering

The researchers followed the standard procedures in conducting a research.

Through a formal letter of permission to the principal of Amadeo National High School

were secured to conduct an inspection in every canteen in Amadeo National High School.

Each canteen was inspected for 15 minutes through observation of the characteristics

described in the evaluation form. After the inspection, the data gathered is tallied and

analysed.

Data Analysis

Data were gathered through the inspection with the use of evaluation form related

to the food safety and sanitary practices of school canteens. The data gathered were

tallied and tabulated based on the inspection of all the canteens in Amadeo National High

School. Mean from the data collected were interpreted through the use of a 4-point scale

below:

1- Highly observed
2- Observed
3- Sometimes observed
4- Never observed
 11
FOOD SAFETY AND SANITARY PRACTICES IN SCHOOL CANTEENS
Results and Discussions

Remarks:
1- Highly observed
2- Observed
3- Sometimes observed
4- Never observed

Food Safety

Food Safety refers to handling, preparing and storing food in a way to best reduce

the risk of individuals becoming sick from foodborne illnesses. It is a global concern that

covers a variety of different areas of everyday life.(Australian Institute of Food Safety,

2016).

Figure 3: Food Safety performance of the School canteen in Amadeo National High
School based on the inspection.

Standard Criteria Canteen A Canteen B Canteen C

Food is well prepared, thoroughly washed and
thoroughly cooked. 2 2 1

Refrigerate or freeze leftovers immediately.

2 1 2
Reheated food is ensured to be boiled and
simmered for at least five minutes. 3 2 1

A ladle or spoon with long handle is used for

serving. 1 1 1

If food can be cooked from a frozen state extra

care must be taken to ensure the food is cooked 2 1 2
right through.
TOTAL 2 1.4 1.4
REMARKS Observed Highly Highly
Observed Observed
*Canteen A – Near the SPA and Senior High School Building
*Canteen B – In the Grade 9 Building
*Canteen C – In the Grade 8 Building
 12
FOOD SAFETY AND SANITARY PRACTICES IN SCHOOL CANTEENS
The table shows the mean result of Food Safety in school canteens of Amadeo

National High School. The remarks from the food safety performance of canteens B and

C are highly observed. It means that the food is well prepared, leftovers are freeze

immediately, reheated foods are boiled and ladle is used for serving foods properly.

Whereas food safety practices in Canteen A should be improved, particularly in ensuring

that reheated foods were being boiled and simmered thoroughly in the span of 5 minutes.

Food Handling

All foods, if handled properly, can be safe. Most instances of food poisoning

do not have to happen at all, and can be avoided. Handling food properly and safely is

essential to preventing food borne illness. (Day Job, 2015)

Figure 4: Food handling performance of the canteens in Amadeo National High

School based on the inspection.

Standard Criteria Canteen A Canteen B Canteen C

Employees observe good personal hygiene
(hands are washed, hair is tied, wears limited
jewellery, wears clean protective clothing and
stores personal items and spare clothes away 3 1 1
from any areas involving food handling).
Employees do not smoke, chew gum or
undertake any other unhygienic practice in food
handling areas. 1 1 1
Individuals with wounds and/or suffering from
diseases are not made to handle food.
1 1 1
Raw foods, which are to be cooked, are safely
handled with bare hands (provided hands are 1 1 2
clean).
Cooked or ready-to eat foods are handled with
proper utensils such as tongs, spoons, spatulas 1 1 1
or disposable gloves.
TOTAL 1.4 1 1.2
REMARKS Highly Highly Highly
Observed Observed Observed
 13
FOOD SAFETY AND SANITARY PRACTICES IN SCHOOL CANTEENS
*Canteen A – Near the SPA and Senior High School Building
*Canteen B – In the Grade 9 Building
*Canteen C – In the Grade 8 Building
The table shows the mean result of Food Handling in school canteens of Amadeo

National High School. The remarks for the food handling performance of all the canteens

are highly observed. It means that the employees exhibits good personal hygienic

practices, raw food are safely handled and utensils are handled properly. However,

improvements in the employee’s good personal hygiene should be observed in Canteen

A.

Food Storing

A food service operation needs to have clearly defined storage areas and

procedures for several reasons. First, by providing storage facilities it is possible to

purchase supplies in quantities large enough quantities to get price breaks. Second, the

ability to store supplies on the premises reduces the cost and time needed to order

supplies and handle them upon delivery, “Food Safety, Sanitation, and Personal Hygiene”

(2019).

Figure 5: Food Storing performance of the school canteens in Amadeo National

High School based on the inspection.

Standard Criteria Canteen A Canteen B Canteen C

All food supplies are stored at proper storage 1 1 1
areas.
Beverages are stored in clean and covered 1 1 1
container placed at least 60 cm. above the floor.
Food is protected from contamination. 1 1 1
Food grade container is used to store all 2 2 2
seasoning in particular vinegar,
fish/soy/spicy sauce.
Cooked food is placed in cabinet that can 1 1 1
facilitate consumer to visualize the food.
Mean 1.2 1.2 1.2
Remarks Highly Highly Highly
 14
FOOD SAFETY AND SANITARY PRACTICES IN SCHOOL CANTEENS
Observed Observed Observed
*Canteen A – Near the SPA and Senior High School Building
*Canteen B – In the Grade 9 Building
*Canteen C – In the Grade 8 Building
The table shows the mean result of Food Storing in school canteens of Amadeo

National High School. The remarks from the food storing performance of all the canteens

are highly observed. It means that the all the food and beverages supplies are stored in

proper storage and cooked foods are stored and protected from contamination.

Sanitary Procedures

Sanitation is the development and application of sanitary measures, the hygienic

means of promoting health through prevention of human contact with the hazards of

wastes, it’s the state of being clean, health promoting free from disease-producing agents,

and visible dirt. (Bartleby, 2013)

Figure 6: Sanitary Procedures of school canteens in Amadeo National High School

based on the inspection.

Standard Criteria Canteen A Canteen B Canteen C

All areas are clean and tidy. 2 2 1
Tables and chairs are cleaned, well- 2 1 2
conditioned, permanently installed and well
arranged.
Adequate ventilation is provided 2 3 2
a sign of "Don't smoke" is placed in the room 4 2 3
All utensils are made of non-toxic and non- 3 1 2
corrosive materials, and easily cleanable.
Mean 2.6 1.6 2
Remarks Sometimes Observed Observed
Observed
*Canteen A – Near the SPA and Senior High School Building
*Canteen B – In the Grade 9 Building
*Canteen C – In the Grade 8 Building
The table shows the mean result of Sanitary Procedures in school canteens of

Amadeo National High School. The remarks from the sanitary procedures of canteens B

and C are observed with a mean of 1.6 and 2 respectively. Canteen A obtained the lowest
 15
FOOD SAFETY AND SANITARY PRACTICES IN SCHOOL CANTEENS
mean rank among the three, garnering only a mean of 2.6. This goes to show that

improvements should be addressed on things like placing a “Do Not Smoke” sign, the

usage of non-corrosive and non-toxic utensils. Provisions for adequate ventilation should

also be observed in all of the canteens.

Food Handlers

Due to a heightened public awareness as a result of all types of media coverage

concerning foodborne illnesses, the level of training for employees working in the food

industry in general needs to be increased. This is a responsibility that the food industry

has to their clients and the general public. ( Food Quality and Safety, 2006)

Figure 7: Food Handlers’ performance of the canteens in Amadeo National High

School based on the inspection.

Standard Criteria Canteen A Canteen B Canteen C

Food handlers are wearing suitable protective 3 1 1
clothing including short or long sleeves clothes.
Food handlers are wearing uniforms or light 3 1 2
colored aprons and hair coverings (i.e., hat or
net).
Food handlers have good personal hygiene (i.e., 2 1 2
short finger nails without painting, non-
smoking) during handling food.
Food handlers refrain from wearing jewellery 3 3 2
while handling and preparing food.
Food handlers are free from any illnesses. 2 1 1
MEAN 2.6 1.4 1.6
REMARKS Sometimes Highly Observed
Observed Observed
*Canteen A – Near the SPA and Senior High School Building
*Canteen B – In the Grade 9 Building
*Canteen C – In the Grade 8 Building
The table shows the mean result of Food Handlers in school canteens of Amadeo

National High School. In Canteen A, improvements should be addressed primarily on the

wearing and usage of protective clothing (aprons, hat, hair net) and the refrain of the

usage of jewelleries while handling food. In Canteen B, only the usage of the jewelleries
 16
FOOD SAFETY AND SANITARY PRACTICES IN SCHOOL CANTEENS
while preparing and handling food are to be addressed. In Canteen C, the personal

hygiene of the employees, the usage of aprons and hair nets as well as the usage of

jewelleries while preparing and handling food are to be addressed.

Comparison of the Food Safety and Sanitary Practices in School Canteens of

Amadeo National High School

1- Highly observed
2- Observed
3- Sometimes observed
4- Never observed
Figure 8: Mean results of the Food Safety and Sanitary Practices in School Canteens
of Amadeo National High School.

2.5

2
Food Handling
Food Safety
1.5
Food Storing
Sanitary Procedure
Food handler
1

0.5

0
Canteen A Canteen B Canteen C
*Canteen A – Near the SPA and Senior High School Building
*Canteen B – In the Grade 9 Building
*Canteen C – In the Grade 8 Building
 17
FOOD SAFETY AND SANITARY PRACTICES IN SCHOOL CANTEENS
The graph shows the mean result of the Food Safety and Sanitary Practices

performance of each school canteen in Amadeo National High School. In Canteen A

Sanitary Procedure, Food Safety and Food Handlers’ Performance are sometimes

observed. In Canteen B all of the Practices are observed and highly observed. In Canteen

C sanitary procedures are sometimes observed while the others are observed.
 18
FOOD SAFETY AND SANITARY PRACTICES IN SCHOOL CANTEENS
Conclusion

The safety practices observed from the school canteens of Amadeo National High

School includes thorough handling, storage and preparation of food. Practices such as the

usage of aprons and hair nets as well as the personal hygienic practices of employees are

also evident. However there are enhancements to be addressed. In Canteen A is Food

Safety, Sanitary Procedures and Food Handlers’ performance needs enhancements. In

canteen B Sanitary Procedures needs to be addressed and lastly in Canteen C Sanitary

procedures needs to be improved. The school should make improvements in the

employee’s good personal hygiene in Canteen A and the placement of a “Do Not Smoke

sign” along with the wearing and usage of protective clothing (aprons, hat, hair net) and

the refrain of the usage of jewelleries while handling food. In Canteen B only the usage

of the jewelleries while preparing and handling food are to be addressed. In Canteen C,

the personal hygiene of the employees, the usage of aprons and hair nets as well as the

usage of jewelleries while preparing and handling food are to be addressed. Generally,

the canteens should be provided with adequate ventilation.

Recommendations
 19
FOOD SAFETY AND SANITARY PRACTICES IN SCHOOL CANTEENS
After the study, the researchers have gathered possible recommendations

for the enhancement of the school canteens.

Canteen employees and staffs should be given proper training in food handling and

sanitary procedures, this will improve their hygienic practices and it will ensure food

safety.

School administration, they should hire employees with proper trainings regarding

food handling and sanitary procedures or they can provide the present canteen employees

with lectures and seminars regarding proper food handling. Also, proper and adequate

ventilations should be provided in all the school canteens.

Other researchers, can conduct future comparative studies to assess if there are

changes and improvements made by the school canteens and the school administration.

References
 20
FOOD SAFETY AND SANITARY PRACTICES IN SCHOOL CANTEENS
bartleby.com/essay/Sanitation-Practices-of-High-School-Canteens-F33Q4ZEK6YYA

dayjob.com/safe-food-handling-1150/

education.vic.gov.au/school/principals/spag/governance/Pages/foodhandling.aspx

health.state.mn.us/foodsafety/schools.html

https://www.foodsafety.com.au/blog/proper-food-storage

https://www.foodsafety.com.au/resources/articles/what-is-food-safety

storagewww.foodsafety.com.au/resources/articles/food-safety-for-school-canteens

http://foodsan.anamai.moph.go.th/download/D_English/Form_eng/inspection%20form

%20for%20canteen.pdf

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-

safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/basics-for-handling-food-safely/ct_index

https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Cleaning-and-sanitising-food-premises-and-

food-equipment

Appendices
 21
FOOD SAFETY AND SANITARY PRACTICES IN SCHOOL CANTEENS