Case Synopsis
Given the statistics showing high incidence of gastro-enteritis emanating from United Nations/African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), the Head of Field Medical Services (HFMS) in Darfur was directed by New York to investigate the causes, effects, and impact of food borne diseases in the mission as well as mitigating measures to curtail their spread. As a result of this development, the HFMS met with Dr. Maurice Ezeoke, Director of UNAMID Level II Hospital, and charged him to assemble and coordinate a team of experts to address the problem. Dr. Ezeoke constituted a task force on UMAMID Food Hygiene and Safety. The task force was to develop a plan of activity aimed at addressing the issue. In Case B, the concept of safe food handling practices known as “Wholesome Food, Better Health and Business” which was subsequently introduced in UNAMID cafeterias is introduced. In spite of the support and encouragement from the mission’s management, the food safety team driving the change observed that less than 40% of the food handlers were complying fully with the dictates of the initiative. Based on identified factors for the poor uptake of the initiative, Dr. Ezeoke needed to make recommendations to the mission’s management for immediate implementation.
Case Objectives
- Develop awareness about the risk factors for food borne illnesses.
- Develop non-medical interventions to mitigate the risk factors for food borne illnesses.
- Understand the importance of safe food handling practices in commercial catering operation.
- Use strategic planning to drive continuous process improvement.
Case Study Questions
- What are the social, economic, cultural, and health impacts of safe food handling practices?
- What are the steps to prevent food contamination during food handling in commercial catering operation and retail businesses?
- What are the personal hygiene and health requirements related to food handlers?
Keywords
food safety, international, dynamic environment, food borne illness
ISBN
978-0-7714-3103-6
Recommended Citation
Ogunjimi, B., Janzen Le Ber, M., (2015). Combating Food Borne Illnesses Through Safe Food Handling Practices in the United Nations/African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), Sudan in: Speechley, M., & Terry, A.L. [eds] Western Public Health Casebook 2015. London, ON: Public Health Casebook Publishing.
