Catering Workers Hygiene Survey 2002

Thursday 31 October 2002

The largest-ever survey of food hygiene knowledge among catering industry workers was carried out between 15 April and 25 May 2002.

• More than 1,000 workers and managers in small independent catering businesses were interviewed.
• The survey revealed that more than a third of staff (39%) are neglecting to wash their hands after visits to the lavatory whilst at work.
• The research also demonstrated that half of all those interviewed (53%) did not appear to wash their hands before preparing food.
• Just over half (55%) of the businesses in the survey had been in operation for under two years and two thirds (70%) employed up to four full time employees.
• Less than two thirds (59%) of the catering workers questioned had a certificate in basic food hygiene.
• Only 3% of catering managers interviewed said retaining skilled, trained staff was important to their business.
• Only 32% believed good food hygiene practices were important to their business compared with 64% who saw good food as the key to keeping their customers.