FACTORS RELATED TO VEGETABLES AND FRUITS SAFETY IN PACKING SITES: A CASE STUDY IN PATHUMTHANI PROVINCE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69598/tbps.18.2.49-67Keywords:
vegetable and fruit safety, vegetable and fruit packing site, pesticides, factors, knowledgeAbstract
In the present descriptive study, an effort has been made to evaluate pesticide residues and determine factors related to fruit and vegetable safety of packing sites. Surveys containing information of respondents and packing sites, knowledge of safety and legal knowledge were conducted at 96 authorized packing sites, completed by each facility's owner or person responsible for packing. Additionally, one sample of fruit or vegetable was randomly collected from each facility for pesticide residue testing by GPO-M kit between December 2021 - February 2022. Analyzed data by descriptive statistics, as well as chi-square or Fisher tests were used to analyze factors related to safety. Statistical significance was set at 0.05 level. The results indicated that the washing was the least followed safety process. The study of knowledge about safety found that an average of 12 ± 2.8 points out of 14 points. The question about pesticides had the least correct answers. In terms of legal knowledge found that an average of 4.7 ± 1.9 points out of 6 points. The question about the offense in case of residue exceeding standard had the least correct answers. The preliminary test using GPO-M kit found residues at unsafe or toxic levels in 12.5% of samples. Upon analyzing factors relevant to safety, it was determined that the previously reported data on detecting pesticide residues by Pathum Thani Provincial Public Health Office exhibited a statistically significant correlation (p-value = 0.041) with the safety of fruits and vegetables at packing site. Based on results, it is proposed that operators should adhere to fruit and vegetable safety measures. Therefore, safety procedures, acquire knowledge about safety and laws. Continuous monitoring of pesticide residues by Pathum Thani Public Health Office is recommended. Knowledge of safety, legal regulations and safety procedures should be provided to operators of packing sites.
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