Food handlers and foodborne diseases: knowledge, attitudes, and reported behavior in Italy.

A total of 411 foodhandlers took part in a study to obtain data about their knowledge, attitudes and behaviour concerning foodborne diseases and food safety issues. The results demonstrated a limited level of knowledge of food handlers. The survey provides insights into inadequacies in knowledge and practices of food handlers, strongly emphasising the need for further educational programs. The respondents learned about foodborne diseases primarily from mass media and education courses; but more than two-thirds wanted to learn more. Journal of Food Protection 2000;63:381-385.