Hygiene and food safety habits among Slovenian mountaineers

Damjan Slabe (Author), Eva Dolenc (Author), Mojca Jevšnik (Author)

Abstract

The study provides a deeper insight into Slovenian mountaineers’ and excursionists’ habits regarding food safety knowledge, food handling practices, and hygiene on expeditions. The objective of the study is to identify gaps in food safety knowledge and food handling practice at home and during mountaineers’ activities. Data were collected using an anonymous online questionnaire (n = 330) and eight semi-structured interviews. The research participants take most of their food with them when they set off, mountaineers more often than excursionists (p < 0.05, p = 0,000). Few interviewees indicated that it is important to them that food is safe while consuming it. Almost 90% of mountaineers and excursionists believe they can identify food safety by smell and taste. Significantly more mountaineers prioritise food enjoyment over hygiene compared to excursionists (p < 0.05, p = 0.001). Mountaineers also feel that they are more resistant to foodborne diseases and are much less concerned about foodborne disease than excursionists (p < 0.05, p = 0.011). The respondents highlighted the need for the Alpine Association of Slovenia to organise food safety education for its members. The greatest emphasis has to be put on food safety education material that has to be put in general training programme for mountaineers. Informing mountaineers and excursionists about food safety requirements needs to be improved with target strategy.

Keywords

food safety;hygiene;mountaineers;excursionist;

Data

Language:	English
Year of publishing:	2022
Typology:	1.01 - Original Scientific Article
Organization:	UL ZF - University College of Health Studies
UDC:	614.31:613
COBISS:	122126851
ISSN:	2227-9717
Views:	13
Downloads:	4
Average score:	0 (0 votes)
Metadata:

Other data

Secondary keywords:	varnost hrane;higiena;planinci;izletnik;
Type (COBISS):	Article
Pages:	str. 1-15
Volume:	ǂVol. ǂ10
Issue:	ǂiss. ǂ9
Chronology:	2022
DOI:	10.3390/pr10091856
ID:	16516447