Hygiene Factors Survey: Food Security during Covid -19

Dr. Sulakshana Mane, Ms. Shanaya Talathi

(Assistant professor), Department of Nutrition and Dietetics. Sir Vithaldas
Thackersey College of Home Science (Autonomous), S.N.D.T.W. University, Juhu,
Mumbai-400 049, Maharashtra, India.
Corresponding Author- Dr. Sulakshana Mane

Abstract:
This research explores the critical intersections of food safety, hygiene practices, and
consumer behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on Mumbai. Fruits
and vegetables, as essential components of a balanced diet, were assessed in the context
of a thriving market facing challenges in processing and supply chain efficiency. The
study involved a comprehensive literature review, emphasizing the global traceability
system's role, challenges in agricultural production, and the necessity for stringent food
safety measures. Additionally, the research includes findings from a survey conducted
among 55 participants during the nationwide lockdown, shedding light on hygiene
practices, food availability, and safety measures. Despite a strict lockdown, 58.2% of
participants engaged in weekly grocery shopping, showcasing the perpetual demand for
food. The efficacy of washing and sanitizing treatments on produce is discussed,
highlighting the need for effective methods to ensure product safety. The study
concludes by underlining the adaptability and proactive measures taken by the
community to sustain food availability and security, emphasizing the role of public
awareness and individual efforts in maintaining a safe food environment.

Keywords: Food safety, Hygiene practices, COVID-19 pandemic, Food Security,

Hand Washing.

Introduction:
Fruits and vegetables stand as vital reservoirs of dynamic nutrients, offering an
economical source of essential elements in fresh or processed forms throughout the
year. Rich in minerals, vitamins, and trace elements, they play a crucial role in various
metabolic reactions. Regular consumption of these horticultural delights is associated
with numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of cancer, cardiovascular
disease, and age-related dysfunctions. In India, a thriving market for fruits and

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vegetables exists, with vast production facilitated by favorable agro-climatic
conditions. However, a significant portion, around 20-40%, goes to waste due to
inadequate processing and supply chain efficiency. The importance of food safety
cannot be overstated, with improper handling posing risks of sickness or harm.
Knowledge gaps in food safety persist, particularly among college students,
emphasizing the need for continued education. Globally, up to 30% of individuals in
developed countries suffer from food and water-related illnesses annually, costing $1.4
trillion. Factors contributing to these illnesses include improper cooking, temperature
abuse, lack of hygiene, cross-contamination, and unsafe sourcing. With urbanization,
globalization, and climate change influencing food safety, there is a growing
responsibility on producers and handlers to ensure safe food supplies, especially in the
face of pandemics like COVID-19. The essay explores the challenges, emphasizing the
critical role of safe food in supporting economies, trade, and public health.

Review of Literature:
The global traceability system for the food safety of fruits and vegetables highlights the
pivotal role of agricultural production in the supply chain. Challenges arising from
chemical and microbiological contamination, originating from inappropriate fertilizer
and pesticide use and environmental pollution, underscore the importance of stringent
food safety practices. Environmental inspection, input management, and production
management emerge as crucial aspects at the production stage. Codex Alimentarius
mandates stringent standards for fresh produce. Concerns about post-harvest chemical
treatments emphasize the need for consumer awareness. Minimally Processed Fresh
(MPF) fruits and vegetables face spoilage, with brown discoloration and off-odors.
Regulatory bodies like FDA and FSSAI monitor additives, ensuring safety.
Quantitative methods are proposed for efficient risk management in vegetable
production, enhancing transparency. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring food
security through portable ration cards has demonstrated an association with reduced
mobility during lockdowns, emphasizing their role in crisis management.

Hygiene Practices:

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The survey delved into personal and food hygiene practices adopted by individuals.
Results indicated a heightened awareness of hygiene measures, with an increased
emphasis on handwashing, sanitization, and safe food handling.

Food Availability and Safety Measures:

Participants were queried about the availability of food items and the safety measures
implemented during purchasing and consumption. Findings suggested that despite
challenges, measures like contactless deliveries and adherence to safety guidelines were
widely embraced.

Methodology:
The study involved 55 participants selected through simple random sampling from the
population of individuals residing in Mumbai during the nationwide lockdown from
March 25, 2020. Data collection utilized an online questionnaire, and participants filled
it out after agreeing to the study by adhering to a consent form. The questionnaire
primarily included subjective responses (Yes/No) and judgment-based information
parameters. Due to the strict nationwide lockdown conditions, manual data collection
was impractical, necessitating the use of an online survey. To address any concerns or
queries, participants maintained communication with the principal investigator through
a WhatsApp broadcast group. Following the survey, each participant received a follow-
up email containing relevant documents.

Result and Analysis:

Despite a stringent national lockdown, 58.2% of individuals engaged in weekly grocery
shopping, highlighting the perpetual demand for food even amid a global pandemic.
This statistic underscores the societal commitment to minimizing daily outings while
ensuring the essential task of securing groceries is consistently addressed. The data
reveals a conscientious effort by individuals to balance the need for sustenance with the
imperative to adhere to lockdown measures.

Technical Information:
● Sample Size: The study involved a sample of individuals, but the specific
sample size is not provided in the brief.

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 ● Data Collection: The frequency of grocery shopping was likely captured
through survey questions or interviews.
● Lockdown Period: The reference to a strict national lockdown indicates a period
of significant restrictions on movement and activities.
● Statistical Information: The reported 58.2% figure represents the proportion of
individuals who participated in weekly grocery shopping, providing a
quantitative insight into consumer behavior during the specified timeframe.

Discussion:
The efficacy of washing and sanitizing treatments in reducing microbial populations on
produce has been a subject of limited information until recently. Conventional methods,
including newer sanitizing agents like chlorine dioxide and ozone, often achieve
reductions below 90 or 99%, insufficient for ensuring product safety through surface
pasteurization. Overcoming these limitations requires understanding factors
influencing efficacy and devising compatible, safe, and affordable treatments approved
by regulatory agencies. Contamination prevention, both pre- and postharvest, is crucial,
given that decontaminating produce is more challenging than avoiding contamination.
The focus on bacterial contamination, especially by human pathogens, necessitates a
comprehensive examination of conventional washing methods and their limitations.
The use of sanitizing agents in water immersion processes is widespread, but their
efficacy against microorganisms attached to produce surfaces is limited, prompting a
discussion on the advantages and limitations of various sanitizing agents. Additionally,
the importance of effective handwashing systems for food handlers is emphasized as a
critical factor in preventing foodborne illnesses.

Conclusion:
Finally we can say, the study reflects a notable shift towards the adoption of established
food sanitation methods among individuals in Mumbai. The findings indicate a
moderate level of awareness and implementation of safety precautions concerning food
and delivery systems among participants. Despite the stringent nationwide lockdown,
the research highlights that food availability and security were not severely
compromised. This resilience can be attributed to a dual approach: macro-level
community hygiene practices and the integration of similar safety measures into daily
household activities. The collective conscious choice to prioritize proven sanitization

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methods underscores the commitment to maintaining food safety. The study suggests
that, even during challenging times like a nationwide lockdown, a balance between
public awareness, community-level practices, and individual efforts contributes to
sustaining food availability and security. Overall, these insights emphasize the
adaptability and proactive measures taken by the community to ensure a continued safe
food environment.

Reference:
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and Balsari, Satchit and Khanna, Tarun, Food Security and Human Mobility
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3. Hu, X., Chen, F., Wang, P., & Chen, Z. (2017). The Importance of Food Safety
for Fruits and Vegetables. Food Safety in China, 489–501.
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6. Galanakis, C. M. (2020). The Food Systems in the Era of the Coronavirus
(COVID-19) Pandemic Crisis. Foods, 9(4), 523.

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