Salmonella infection among food handlers at canteens in a campus

Background: Salmonella is one of the pathogenic microorganisms that can contaminate food through cross-contamination (less hygiene of handlers and environment). In a campus, food management and food handlers have a very important role in the contamination of microorganisms, which can lead to the incidence of foodborne diseases. Objective: This study aimed to assess the incidence of salmonella infections among food handlers at a campus canteen in Depok City, Indonesia. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in May-June 2017. The population of this study was all food handlers working in the canteen (N=260). The data were obtained through interviews and observation of the characteristics and behaviors of the food handlers. Blood samples were also collected from 49 food handlers (n=49). Results: This study revealed that 61.2% of food handlers included in the age group were not at risk, the proportion of female food-handlers was slightly more than men (51%), the majority of them were low educated (59.2%), and all respondents had never given typhoid immunization. The results of the fecal examination revealed that two food handlers had typhoid. In addition, the behavior and personal hygiene of most of the handlers are poor. Environmental factors such as canteen sanitation facilities are mostly qualified, and most of the food handlers have no history of contact with animals. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant relationship between characteristics, behavior, personal hygiene, sanitation facilities, and contact history with animals against pathogenic bacterial infections.