Compliance with food safety measures by traditional caterers in the Cape Coast municipality

Abstract

Much work has been carried out on food safety in Ghana, however it appears that a problem still exists considering the increasing number of reported food borne cases to health centers (Cape Coast District Community Health Centre (CCDCHC). In spite of work that has been carried out on the subject, the reasons for non compliance with food safety measures have not been investigated. This study therefore sought to examine why caterers fail to comply with regulations and to determine the relationship between compliance and contamination of food by traditional caterers using the Cape Coast Municipality. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used to select 100 caterers, 150 clients and four regulatory agencies for the study. Samples of food were also purchased for laboratory investigation. The study revealed that traditional caterers were of low educational background and are ignorant about food safety information. However, there was no indication that any of the background characteristics used significantly influence compliance with food safety measures, when the Chi Square Statistic and binomial logistic regression model were applied to the data. It was however established that non compliance with regulations influences food contamination. Evidence from the study suggests that lack of co-ordination among regulatory bodies contributed to duplication of tasks and subsequent negligence of duty. Also lack of logistics affected the regularity of visit by enforcers. Some recommendations were made to help arrest the situation.