Food hygiene on merchant ships: the importance of food handlersʹ training

The effect of food handlersʹ training on food hygiene has been evaluated on board 22 “ro–ro” merchant ships carrying wheeled vehicles, with small numbers of passengers. The level of application of HACCP rules was assessed by a microbiological evaluation at the beginning of the study, after a cycle of training of food handlers and after the crew change that periodically occurs on each vessel. The results showed a clear improvement of the food hygiene quality after the refresher course, and a worsening after the crew change. Continuous education is needed to assure constantly a good hygienic quality of food.