Good Manufacturing Practices in canteens of the Central Market of Abasto of Asunción, Paraguay

Abstract

Good Manufacturing Practice or GMP is “a set of principles and technical recommendations that are applied throughout the processing of food to ensure its safety and aptitude” and they are mandatory. The objective was to describe the GMP in the kitchens of the canteens of the Central Market of Abasto of Asunción, Paraguay during 2014. The research was descriptive, transversal, and prospective and applied a non- probabilistic and convenience sampling. The populations were the kitchens in the Central Market of Abasto which prepare vegetables sandwiches and the ones that agreed to participate in the study. Vegetables sandwiches present a higher contamination risk, because of their raw ingredients, including mayonnaise and do not go through high temperatures, is highly sold and consumed. The evaluation was carried on with a check list based on the Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO). Sixty percent did not have the adequate facilities and animals or vectors (32%) were seen at the place. Fifty four percent had trash cans near food, 46% of them had lids. Forty two percent did not purchase raw materials from approved suppliers, 30% used recycled water, 10% did not wash products in any way and 86% of handlers washed their hands before touching food and 88% after. Eighty two percent had their hair tied up and fingernails clean and short and 46% used accessories (rings, watches and bracelets). In 42% the same person manipulated the food and the money. Twenty percent received training and 43% were inspected by the Municipality of Asunción. Food processing establishments must implement GMP to reduce risks.