Ramya Yella ¹, R. Naveen Kumar ², Sudershan R. Vemula ², Balakrishna Nagalla ³, SubbaRao M. Gavaravarapu ⁴

Affiliations
1 National Institute of Nutrition, Jamai-Osmania P.O, Hyderabad - 500 007 Telangana State, IN
2 Food and Drug Toxicology Research Centre, National Institute of Nutrition, Jamai-Osmania P.O, Hyderabad - 500 007, Telangana State, IN
3 Division of Biostatistics National Institute of Nutrition, Jamai-Osmania P.O, Hyderabad - 500 007, Telangana State, IN
4 Extension and Training Division, National Institute of Nutrition, Jamai-Osmania P.O, Hyderabad - 500 007, Telangana State, IN

Abstract

A significant proportion of foodborne diseases arise from practices in home kitchens. Not only how food is handled but also how it is stored determines its safety. The current study aimed to assess knowledge and practices of households related to storage of foods in refrigerator and identify key messages to promote safe storage practices. A cross-sectional study employing mixed methods (combination of quantitative and qualitative methods) was carried out among households who owned refrigerators. Quantitative data on knowledge and practices were collected from women (n=120) who were responsible for cooking and storing foods at household level using a pretested questionnaire and qualitative data on status of the refrigerators was collected using non-participant observation technique. Leftover foods stored in refrigerators for > 24h were collected from a sub-sample (n=18) to assess the presence of food pathogens. Over 34.2% preserved leftover non-vegetarian foods at room temperature. About 65% stored leftover foods in refrigerators for >24h. Only 10% cleaned the refrigerator every week and about 20% had knowledge of the working temperature of the refrigerators. There was a significant association (P<0.05) between education and knowledge as well as practices among households. Salmonella spp. (44.4%), E. coli (27.7%), fecal coliforms (11.1%) and S. aureus (5.5%) were detected in refrigerated leftover foods. Observational studies revealed some risky storage behaviors. Most of the households are not aware of the safe storage and refrigeration practices. The detected foodborne pathogens in refrigerated leftover food samples indicate a potential hazard in refrigerated foods. The study identified five key messages for food safety communication.

Keywords

Refrigeration, Food Safety, Practices, Knowledge, Key Messages.

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Aiswarya Ravichandran ¹, Sudershan R. Vemula ², Vishnu Vardhana Rao Mendu ³, Archana Konapur ⁴, SubbaRao M. Gavaravarapu ⁴

Affiliations
1 Practicing Nutrition Advisor, Chennai, IN
2 NIN, Retd. from Food and Drug Toxicology Research Centre, IN
3 National Institute of Medical Statistics, IR
4 Media, Communication & Extension Group, Extension & Training Division, National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, IN

Abstract

Energy drinks are becoming increasingly popular in India. There is a need to understand the extent of consumption and perceptions among consumers. There are no studies in India in this direction. This study aimed to assess the perceptions and practices related to consumption of energy drinks among consumers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among students (n=132) and employed persons (n=48) of 13–40 yrs age, who were purposively selected using snowballing technique. Only those who have ever consumed energy drinks were included as subjects. Those consuming at least twice a month were categorized as frequent consumers. A pretested and pre-coded questionnaire with open-ended (5) and closed-ended questions (26) was administered in interview mode. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used for analysis. Frequent consumers were more among students (47%) than in working group (14.6%). Significantly (p<0.05) higher number of participants from high socio-economic groups (71%) reported higher consumption of energy drinks than their middle and low-income counterparts. A majority (53.3%) were introduced to energy drinks by their peers. Participants mostly consumed energy drinks when hanging-out with friends (56.1%), during parties (43.3%), when they feel tired (36.1%) and during performance (28.8%). Consumers were using energy drinks for taste (64.4%), flavour (60.6%), and to feel energetic (57.2%). Frequent consumers (53.3%) assume that energy drinks give extra energy. Considering that there are hardly any studies in India in this direction, the study provides information that even frequent consumers of energy drinks were unaware that energy drinks are caffeinated beverages and their knowledge about health benefits/effects was varied and scanty. Most of them perceive that energy drinks provide ‘extra energy’ and are ‘beneficial’ to health. This myth should be dispelled.

Keywords

Energy Drinks, Perceptions, Practices, Hanging-Out With Friends, Peers.

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