RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FOOD HANDLERS’ ATTITUDES AND HANDWASHING IN CATERING FOOD SAFETY

Abstrak

Food safety plays a crucial role in preventing foodborne diseases, particularly within the catering sector, which is highly susceptible to cross-contamination. Food handlers are key agents in maintaining hygiene and food safety through appropriate hand hygiene practices. This study aims to examine the relationship between food handlers’ attitudes and handwashing habits toward food safety through a literature review of 25 national and international studies published between 2015 and 2025. A narrative synthesis analysis was conducted to identify the relationship between attitudes, hand hygiene behaviors, and supporting factors such as training and facility availability. The findings revealed that most reported a significant relationship between positive attitudes and proper handwashing practices. Positive attitudes were identified as a key determinant in improving hygienic behavior among food handlers. However, several studies also highlighted a gap between attitudes and actual practices due to limited facilities, insufficient supervision, and weak hygiene culture. These findings emphasize that fostering positive attitudes must be accompanied by continuous education, adequate infrastructure, and managerial support to ensure consistent and sustainable handwashing behavior, thereby enhancing overall food safety in catering services.