Food Safety Practices and Attitudes of Food Handlers in Eateries at Marikina City: Basis for information campaign

This study explores the attitude and food safety practices of food handlers working in local eateries/(carinderias) across Marikina City. Through a survey-based approach, it aimed to examine the correlation between their level of food safety compliance and their perception of proper food handling. Specifically, the study evaluated practices in four key areas: personal hygiene, storage and temperature control, cleaning and sanitation, and food handling. Findings showed that these practices were implemented to a very high extent, indicating strong adherence to safety standards. Respondents expressed a consistently positive attitude toward food safety, which was statistically proven to have a moderate positive correlation with actual practices across all indicators. For instance, higher attitude scores were associated with improved hygiene routines, better temperature control, and stricter sanitation protocols. Moreover, the study gathered quantitative feedback suggesting the need for clearer food safety campaigns and stronger supervision from local authorities. Food handlers recommended actionable improvements such as strict waste disposal systems, regular training, the adoption of sustainable practices, and the introduction of compliance checklists. Overall, the research underscores the importance of continuous education and updated guidelines to enhance the culture of compliance in food safety. These findings can inform future policies aimed at improving public health and safety in urban food service settings.