Food handlers' insights into the barriers and facilitators to safe food handling in charitable food assistance programs in eThekwini District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Charitable food assistance programs (CFAPs) play a critical role in addressing food insecurity by distributing food to individuals in need. However, the full value of CFAPs' contributions can only be achieved if food is handled safely to prevent foodborne illnesses and protect consumer health and well-being. Therefore, this study explored the barriers and facilitators to safe food handling within CFAPs in the eThekwini District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Methods

We interviewed 18 purposively sampled food handlers from 12 CFAPs in the eThekwini District between January and April 2025, using semi-structured face-to-face in-depth interviews. Interviews were conducted at participants' usual places of work or food handling sites to promote openness and candid reflec

SUBMITTER: Makhunga S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12802233 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature