Cause for concern over food hygiene in the UK emerged last week when the UK Food Standards Agency published the findings from the largest ever nationwide survey of the food hygiene knowledge of catering industry workers.
According to the report, the survey of 1000 workers and managers in small independent catering businesses revealed that more than a third of staff (39 per cent) are neglecting to wash their hands after visiting the lavatory whilst at work.
The research also demonstrated that half of all those interviewed (53 per cent) did not appear to wash their hands before preparing food.
Just over half (55 per cent) of the businesses in the survey had been in operation for under two years and two thirds (70 per cent) employed up to four full time employees.
Less than two thirds (59 per cent) of the catering workers questioned had a certificate in basic food hygiene and only 3 per cent of catering managers interviewed said retaining skilled, trained staff was important to their business.
The FSA reports that only 32 per cent believed good food hygiene practices were important to their business compared with 64 per cent who saw good food as the key to keeping their customers.
On a more positive note, the survey discovered that good food hygiene came top of the list of priorities for catering managers, with just under half (42 per cent) listing it as a key factor in the success of their business. There was a general understanding among all workers that they should wash their hands (64 per cent).
Good food hygiene practices and clean surroundings were also named as important by staff, but only 5 per cent of catering workers and managers made the link between washing hands and personal hygiene, recognising it as something specific to take care of in the workplace.
Sir John Krebs, chair of the Food Standards Agency, said: "This survey shows clearly that there are catering businesses that have high standards of hygiene and food.
"Unfortunately, it also shows there are too many that don't know you cannot serve good, safe food, unless you also have high standards of food hygiene.
"Many food poisoning incidents can be prevented through people simply washing their hands properly and at the right time."
With perfect timing, the FSA this week launched the second phase of its five-year Food Hygiene Campaign. The Food Standards Agency is focusing attention on small to medium-sized independent catering businesses in a drive to push up food hygiene standards in foodservice venues. More than 300,000 catering businesses around the UK will receive food safety information and a free practical training video.