Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Food poisoning outbreaks in institutions are still common. Despite various policy and control measures implemented, recurrent outbreaks involving similar food handlers are still observed. Three different episodes of food poisoning outbreaks in Maahad Tahfiz Quran Darul Saadah and the lesson learnt are described. METHODS: In all three episodes, a retrospective cohort study was used. Epidemiological investigation was conducted. Students were interviewed and stool samples from patients were collected. Environmental investigation included premise rating, surface sampling of used utensil and handlers swab sample taken. Hazard analysis of food preparation, sanitation inspection and analysis were done to identify the food implicated. RESULT: Outbreak involving same food handlers occurred in first and third episodes. Alternative food handlers were used during the second episode. Hazard analysis of critical control point (HACCP) showed inadequate defrosting of chicken, insufficient cooking time and inadequate temperature during cooking. Cross contamination occurred due to unsanitary food handling. In all three outbreaks, the source of exposure was undercooked chicken. Food handlers in first and third episode were overburdened, while the alternative food handlers in second episode were inexperienced. DISCUSSION: The recurring food poisoning outbreak was most likely due to inexperienced handlers and organizational deficiency. Control measures were implemented, and suggestion were given to the organization. They were asked to ensure adequate number of handlers and organizational compliance to have an alternative handler to prevent recurrence in future.
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@proceedings{APCPH-2019-131,
title = {Bad Things Come in Threes: Food Poisoning Outbreak in Maahad Tahfiz Quran Darul Saadah},
author = {Najihah MZ and Vinoth VM and Mohd SN and Ahmad BZ and Hazlienor MH and Sharina D},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-07-22},
urldate = {2019-07-22},
journal = {6th Asia-Pacific Conference on Public Health 2019 Proceedings},
issue = {6},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Food poisoning outbreaks in institutions are still common. Despite various policy and control measures implemented, recurrent outbreaks involving similar food handlers are still observed. Three different episodes of food poisoning outbreaks in Maahad Tahfiz Quran Darul Saadah and the lesson learnt are described. METHODS: In all three episodes, a retrospective cohort study was used. Epidemiological investigation was conducted. Students were interviewed and stool samples from patients were collected. Environmental investigation included premise rating, surface sampling of used utensil and handlers swab sample taken. Hazard analysis of food preparation, sanitation inspection and analysis were done to identify the food implicated. RESULT: Outbreak involving same food handlers occurred in first and third episodes. Alternative food handlers were used during the second episode. Hazard analysis of critical control point (HACCP) showed inadequate defrosting of chicken, insufficient cooking time and inadequate temperature during cooking. Cross contamination occurred due to unsanitary food handling. In all three outbreaks, the source of exposure was undercooked chicken. Food handlers in first and third episode were overburdened, while the alternative food handlers in second episode were inexperienced. DISCUSSION: The recurring food poisoning outbreak was most likely due to inexperienced handlers and organizational deficiency. Control measures were implemented, and suggestion were given to the organization. They were asked to ensure adequate number of handlers and organizational compliance to have an alternative handler to prevent recurrence in future.},
note = {Type: POSTER PRESENTATION; Organisation: Kota Bharu District Health Office, Kelantan},
keywords = {apcph2019, food poisoning, institutional, outbreak},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {proceedings}
}