• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.345-356
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate utilization and storage management practice of the frozen and refrigerated foods in school foodservice. 222 dietitians employed in school foodservice were surveyed. In school foodservice, the refrigerated stock farm products and seafoods (78.3%) were more used rather than frozen products (47.5%). According to school foodservice characteristics, the refrigerated meats including dairy products were more frequently used in elementary and middle schools than high school foodservice. On the other hand, the foodservice in high school used more frozen seafoods and processed foods than elementary school did. The data also showed a tendency for the contracted foodservice using more frozen meats and seafoods rather than refrigerated products when comparing with the self-operated foodservice. In terms of receiving conditions, storage methods and storage time, the result indicated that frozen or refrigerated products were often delivered at inappropriate temperature. Especially some products which were needed to be shipped and stored at refrigerated temperature such as mollusks, were delivered and kept at room temperature. The most frequently used thawing method were running water (56.9%), however, the frozen products were often sitted at room temperature for the purpose of thawing. According to the results, several inappropriate handling processes for frozen and refrigerated products were found in school foodservice. In order to improve handling process for frozen and refrigerated products, recognition of food handlers' weakness about storage and distribution, development of radical standards for receiving conditions, storage and thawing methods should be debated.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.19-27
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• 2001

It is thought that the sanitary perception and hygienic food treatment of food suppliers as the first handlers of foodstuffs are extremely significant for the safe and sanitary management of food in group meal services. So in this study, a survey of 103 food suppliers who provide raw materials for 80 meal services in business places around Busan area was conducted on general matters, participation in sanitation education, sanitary perception, sanitary treatment of foodstuffs, knowledge of sanitation, etc. The results of the survey are as follows: 1. 42.7% of the subjects have worked for the food supply companies for one to five years and the main job of 36.9% of them is delivery service. Food suppliers who handle over two foodstuffs are 6839%. 2. Concerning the participation in sanitation education, 43.7% of the subjects have not experienced any such education, The reason of 23.3% of them for not having the education is that there have been no opportunity for them at all. And 83.5% of them regard the education on hygiene as necessary. 3. In the sanitary perception, 93.1% of the subjects considered the temperature control of the food delivery vehicles as important and 82.5% of them replied on of the leading causes of food poisoning as foodstuffs. 64.0% thought of their knowledge of food sanitation as not very good, but moderate. 4. Concerning sanitary treatment of foodstuffs, 50.5% of delivery vehicles were wearing sanitary uniforms and 24.3% of them washed their hands while supplying food. 5. In the score of hygienic knowledge, the average score of all food suppliers was 60.6 point. In the score of hygienic knowledge on general matters, managing supervisors got 6.31$\pm$1.70. In the score of hygienic knowledge based on the perception of food sanitation, the food suppliers with the experience of sanitation education scored 6.42$\pm$1.93 point and the point was significant(p<0.01), compared with that of the food suppliers without the experience of sanitation education. The food suppliers who answered their knowledge was very good scored the highest point, 8.00$\pm$1.41. The food suppliers who replied that sanitation education was truly necessary recorded the hygienic knowledge score of 6.75$\pm$1.77, significantly(p<0.01) high. In the score of hygienic knowledge on the basis of the practical degree of sanitary handling of food materials, the food suppliers who answered they cleaned their delivery vehicles everyday scored 6.48$\pm$1.93, the food suppliers who answered they sterilized their delivery vehicles everyday scored 6.29$\pm$1.89, the food suppliers who answered they controlled the temperature of their delivery vehicles irregularly scored 6.58$\pm$1.79 and the food suppliers who answered they washed their hands every time when they were working scored 6.86$\pm$2.24, significantly(p<0.05) high in comparison with every item in other factors. And the food suppliers who answered they were wearing sanitary uniforms irregularly while supplying foodstuffs scored the highest point, 6.66$\pm$2.92.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.525-531
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• 2020

Objectives: This study was performed to identify the epidemiological features of a food poisoning outbreak in a company cafeteria located in Chungcheongnam-do Province, Korea in June of 2020 and to suggest preventive measures for a similar incidence. Methods: A total of 84 patients with acute gastroenteritis were examined. Environmental samples were obtained from 16 food handlers, six food utensils, 135 preserved foods served over three days and nine menus, and six drinking water samples. These are analyzed to detect viruses and bacteria. Results: Ninety-four out of the 402 people who were served meals (23.4%) predominantly showed symptoms of diarrhea, and the number was over 3 times. Among the 84 patients under investigation, 17 cases (20.2%) were positive for Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and 18 cases were positive for Clostridium (C.) perfringens (21.4%). Based on the investigation, it was concluded that the main pathogens were EPEC and C. perfringens. For EPEC, it was detected in three of the food service employees and in the preserved food and curry rice. The results of pulsed field gel electrophoresis indicate that all EPEC cases are closely related except for one food service employee. Assuming that isolated EPEC originated from the preserved food, the incubation period is about 25 hours. The origin of the C. perfringens was not determined as it was not detected in the food service employees or environmental samples. Conclusions: This case suggests that food provided in group food service centers must be thoroughly managed. In addition, identifying the pathogens in preserved food is very important for tracing the causes of food poisoning, so food must be preserved in an appropriate condition. To prevent similar food poisoning cases, analyzing cases based on epidemiological investigation and sharing the results is needed.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.102-108
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• 2024

This study was performed to establish the epidemiological features of a food poisoning outbreak that occurred in the cafeteria of a company in Chungcheongnam-do Province, Korea, in October 2020, and to recommend measures to prevent similar outbreaks. Twenty-one patients with acute gastroenteritis, three food handlers, seven cooking utensils, and 12 preserved food samples were subjected to viral and bacterial analyses based on procedures described in the "Manual for Detection of Foodborne Pathogens at Outbreaks". Among 135 individuals who had been served the meals, 21 (15.6%) showed symptoms of nausea and vomiting within an hour of consuming the food. Bacillus cereus were isolated from 11 (52.4%) of the 21 patients, one food service employee, one item of cooking ware, and 12 preserved food samples. In addition, we confirmed the toxin genes CER, nheA, and entFM from the isolated B. cereus strains. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis results indicated that all of the isolated B. cereus strains were closely related, with the exception of strains obtained from one patient and one sample of preserved food. These findings provide evidence to indicate that the isolated B. cereus originated from preserved foods and an unhygienic eating environment. This outbreak highlights that the provision of food in non-commercial food systems must be thoroughly managed. In addition, it emphasizes the necessity for the correct and timely identification of causal pathogens for tracing the cause of food poisoning outbreaks, and the need to preserve food under appropriate conditions. To prevent similar cases of food poisoning, it is necessary to investigate cases based on an epidemiological approach and share the findings.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.397-404
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• 2015

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate microbial contamination in the school food service environment for the assessment of microbial food safety. Methods: We collected both swab samples from tables and desks and airborne bacterial samples from an elementary school (School A) and a high school (School B). Heterotrophic plate count, total coliform, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus were measured with selective media to quantify microbial concentration. PCR assay targeting 16S rRNA genes was performed to identify the strains of S. aureus and B. cereus isolated. In addition, we made a food service checklist for the locations to evaluate the food service environment. A Wilcoxon test was employed to examine the differences in microbial concentration between before lunchtime and afterwards. Results: Heterotrophic plate counts showed higher levels after-lunch compared to before-lunch at School B. However, levels of S. aureus were higher in the after-lunch period (p<0.05) in both classrooms and in the cafeteria in School A. B. cereus was only sparsely detected in School B. Several samples from food dining carts were found to be contaminated with bacteria, and facilities associated with food delivery were found to be vulnerable to bacterial contamination. Although microbial concentrations in the air showed little difference between before- and after-lunchtime in the cafeteria in School A, those in classrooms were greater after-lunchtime at both schools. Conclusion: Our results suggested that the microbial safety in schools after lunchtime of concern. Necessary preventive measures such as hygiene education for students and food handlers should be required to minimize microbial contamination during food service processes in schools.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.434-442
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• 2019

Objectives: This study was performed in order to report the epidemiological features of a food poisoning outbreak caused by multiple pathogens in a high school in Chungcheongnam-do Province, Korea in April 2019 and to suggest measures to prevent a similar incidence. Methods: A total of 39 patients with diarrhea were examined. Environmental samples were obtained from 6 food handlers, 4 food utensils, 72 preserved foods served during the food poisoning outbreak, 9 door handles, 10 drinking water samples from water dispensers, and 6 ground water samples from water taps. These analyzed to detect viruses and bacteria. Results: Among the 39 patients, 21 cases (53.8%) of enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), 7 cases of Staphylococcus aureus (17.9%), and 17 cases of norovirus (43.6%) were positive, and in 16 of the cases a co-infection with at least one other pathogen were observed. EAEC was assumed to be transmitted from contaminated drinking water because it was also detected in the water sample from a water dispenser in the dormitory. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated only in the fecal samples of patients, meaning it was not possible to trace its origin. The genotype of norovirus detected in the drinking water and ground water was consistent with that isolated from patients, and it was determined that the norovirus infection originated from the school's water environment. Conclusions: These findings indicate that a lack of environmental hygiene management related to school meals caused the food poisoning incident. In particular, a lack of management of drinking water, water supply, and personal hygiene should be pointed out. This should be urgently addressed and continuous monitoring should be carried out in the future. In addition, students and staff should be educated and trained to improve their personal hygiene.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.35 no.7
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• pp.940-944
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• 2006

The propose of this study was to evaluate the microbiological hazards of the customers' hands in university foodservice operation. A total of 190 customers' hands were sampled to test about aerobie plate counts, coliforms, E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The average number of aerobic plate counts was 3.11 log CFU/hand Ifrom 0.70 to 6.47 log CFU/hand) and that of coliform counts was 1.06 log CFU/hand (from not detected to 5.04 log CFU/hand). The mean level of aerobic plate counts (t=9.87, p<0.001) and coliforms (t=7.91, p<0.05) was significantly different by gender. E. coli was not detected, but Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 39 (20.5%) of 190 samples. The average of hand-washing frequency was 6.46 time per day. By the hand-washing frequency, the mean level of aerobic plate counts was significantly different (F=527, p<0.001), but coliforms was not significantly different. This study shows that it is needs to be given attention to hygiene handlers but also for customers in foodservice operations.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.122-126
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• 2007

Expenditure on meat and meat products has been increased in Korea due to the increase of income and the change of diet. From raising farm animals to eating the meat, various hazardous elements can make their ways into the meat and meat products. Recently the issues on food safety and hygiene are drawing a lot of attention, and the current system for managing the safety of foods is still needed to be improved. This survey was aimed to monitor the current situation of country-of-origin labels and hygiene for the meat markets at 4 regions Korea. The survey was performed by collecting samples from whole- sale and retail stores in the nation, which were selling beef. The markets were divided into groups as to territory and the size of the market (Large size, Medium size, and Small size). In terms of size distribution, small butcher shops occupied the highest percentage. On the itemized suitability test of unpacked and packed beef, all the market of 4 regions showed good agreements. However, such labels indicating the methods of cooking and storage were not properly posted on the products. Especially for Ho-nam region, corrections are needed. The results of monitoring sanitation conditions for the butcher shops at 4 regions in Korea showed relatively low suitability. Especially, there were serious lack of knowledge about wearing the sanitation clothing, caps, and shoes. The problem with food safety is so complicated that producer, consumer, food manufacturer, the press, the government, and scholar should solve altogether. It is necessary to educate farmers, food handlers, consumers, etc. and provide them with an accurate information and knowledge.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.21 no.2 s.24
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• pp.442-450
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• 1988

Effects of various factors related to the process of social action of hospital services on the selecting a hospital were investigated by using of questionnaires answered by 1,319 patients in a certain University Hospital, in Chungchongnam-Do, from November, 1986 to November, 1987. The results summarized were as follows ; 1. Each of the examined factors, that is, sincerity of an attendant physician in medical treatment and explaining the condition of a disease, confidence to doctor and nurse, doctor's and nurse's response to calling by patient, kindness of the hospital staffs and food handlers, sanitariness of hospital, cleanness of clothes and bed sheets, hospital foods, and rest surroundings, are not solely decisive to attitude of hospital utilization, but the factors effects compositely on hospital utilization 2. Hospital services of the social action process are more effective to hospital utilization in cases of the hospitalization caused by the traffic facility than for the medical skill and facilities.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.315-323
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• 2000

Serious consequences can arise from lack of hygiene in mass catering. Microbiological testing is of value in determining hazards for developing a HACCP plan, and in demonstrating to food handlers the reality of the microbial risk. This studies was performed to describe the overall hygiene of cooking utensils and equipments, employees, and environment in mass catering establishments. Generally, hygienic conditions of cutting board and sanitized dish cloth were better than those of other cooking utensils such as knife, sieve, and peeler. It was found that the cross-contamination of knife might be caused by the use of contaminated sanitizing solution. It was observed that there was considerable variation (10$^1$~10$^{5}$ CFU) of the number of general bacteria for employee's hands. The number of general bacteria were influenced from establishment, employee, and the period of analysis. The number of Coliform group for employee's hands was in the range of 10$^2$~10$^4$CFU only at the first analysis. Total aerial bacteria in working area of mass catering establishments was below 7 CFU/Plate and aerial Staphylococcus sp. was not detected at all except one spot.