مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Evaluation of legislation about microbiologic examination in food handlers

Abstract :

Introduction and Objective: Our study was planned to evaluate the Turkish legislation about microbiologic examination in foodhandlers. Material and Methods: National and international literature about legal regulations regarding foodhandlers in Turkey, were scanned. Legislation about microbiologic examination in foodhandlers and all documents were evaluated based on scientific evidence. This paper was designed to present the opinions and suggestions about this subject by evaluating the legislative texts on scientific evidence. Results: The main legislation is Law of Public Health. In 2005, Ministry of Health had made a circular and modified the analysis for food handlers and their frequency. While the applications of porter examination continues, by the decree law numbered 663 -indicating the importance of education and sanitation- this responsibility was given to the employers. Despite the presence of various pathogenic microorganisms causing foodborne infections, the legal arrangements in our country allows the detection of only a small portion of these agents, by routine analysis. Current scientific approaches do not recommend routine medical and laboratory examination in food handlers. As some problems in daily practice can occur, last decree law about food handlers needs collateral legislation urgently. Conclusion: Our main recommendations are; to standardize the food preparation process, to give in training education, to establish early detection systems and to examine the routine laboratory analysis in symptomatic food handlers, to reduce the food borne infections. For this purpose, the governors have to start to work on complimentary legislation, considering the results of current scientific studies, urgently.