RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of a public health intervention on the environmental conditions under which street-vended foods were prepared and offered for sale. DESIGN AND METHODS: A before and after cross sectional study was conducted on a sample of 80 itinerant food vendors in one County of Trinidad. Forty food samples were tested for the presence of three types of bacteria. Public health information was provided at the first visit to the food vendors. Four weeks later the same vendors were surveyed and further food samples taken. The data collected were subject to McNemars test to determine whether the proportions for the before and after measurements were significantly different. RESULTS: The findings demonstrated the presence of microorganisms with the potential to cause food borne illness in food offered by itinerant night vendors. The results also showed a significant increase in the number of units being registered (p < 0.001) and displaying food badges (p = 0.002) after the first interview. Similarly there were significant improvements in personal hygiene parameters reviewed at the second visit in terms of attire of vendors (p = 0.002); availability of potable water (p < 0.001); and the general appearance of the food handler (p=0.025). CONCLUSION: There appears to be a role for public health education sessions on food handling practices for food vendors. Government agencies should also provide premises for such food vending where there are ample and satisfactory water and sanitation facilities.
Assuntos
Qualidade dos Alimentos , Alimentos de Rua , Saúde Pública , Manipulação de Alimentos/normas , Trinidad e TobagoRESUMO
The nutritional status of the elderly residents in a public Home was assessed by means of anthropometric measurements, clinical signs and qualitative analysis. The general features of life in the Home were recorded, and an attempt was made to elucidate the major influences on nutritional status in this institution. Two hundred and thirty residents participated in this study. Analysis revealed that protein energy malnutrition (PEM) exists in at least 24 percent of the men, and 18 percent of the women as determined by anthropometric measurements. Muscle circumferences were adequate, but mean triceps skinfold measurements were less than 60 percent of standard in both men and women. Energy intake were 75 percent of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) in men, and 90 percent of the RDA in women. Thiamine and vitamin C intakes may have been low due to cooking losses, but vitamin A, iron riboflavin and protein intakes were adequate. Clinical signs confirmed the finding of PEM, and suggested that anemia exists. Age, the length of stay and poor eyesight had minor influences on nutritional status in the women, but had no apparent effect on nutritional status in the men. Alcohol consumption influenced nutritional status to a minor degree in men. Mobility, impaired hearing, mental disability, masticatory inefficiency, visitors and impaired appetite had no appreciable effect on nutritional status in either men or women. (summary)
Assuntos
Humanos , Idoso , Masculino , Feminino , Estado Nutricional , Idoso , Desnutrição Proteico-Calórica/epidemiologia , Instituição de Longa Permanência para Idosos , Antropometria/métodos , Avaliação Nutricional , Jamaica , Anemia , Consumo de Bebidas Alcoólicas , Qualidade dos Alimentos , Abastecimento de Alimentos , Higiene , Qualidade de VidaRESUMO
The criteria which were used to pass the meat as fit for human consumption, the quantity and types of meats which were condemned and reasons for their condemnation were also investigated. It was found that: (i) The notification of the arrival of ships was not satisfactory. (ii) There are no written criteria for passing meats, but the method of inspection used was satisfactory. (iii) Large quantities of meat were condemned over the period under study and poultry meat headed the condemnation. Dehydration decomposition and freezer-burn were the principal reasons for condemnation. (v) There was no condemnation of mutton for the years 1978 and 1979. (vi) Mutton had the lowest condemnation which could be attributed to the type of packaging. (vii) Containerization of meats increased as of 1977. Based on the findings, measures for the improvement of the monitoring system were devised. (AU)
