Compliance to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point guidelines in food processing industries in Nansana Municipality Wakiso district, Uganda

Abstract

Background: Low- and middle-income countries like Uganda face the highest public health burden from foodborne illnesses and mortalities. Inadequate compliance with food safety guidelines, such as HACCP, in food processing industries, such as those operating in Nansana Municipality, impacts work practices and the prevalence of foodborne illnesses. The study evaluates compliance to HACCP guidelines in food processing industries in Nansana, Wakiso district, Uganda, focusing on food safety concerns and companies. Methods: A cross-sectional study in which a questionnaire and an observational checklist were used to collect data from randomly selected food-processing industries in Nansana Municipality. A list of the food processing industries was obtained from the Local Authority. Systematic random sampling was used to obtain the food processing industries, an interval of one was allowed in the selection of these study units. HACCP guidelines compliance was assessed using 13 questions, with each question scoring one and summed to obtain a total score of 13. A mean score was determined, which was used to rank compliance as either low (for food processing lines that scored below mean score) and high (for food processing lines that scored above the mean score). Results: The study enrolled a total of 109 food-processing industries, majority 61.5% (67/109) were small scale industries, located in Nansana Division 53.2% (58/109). Categorized based on the types of products manufactured with the highest proportion of industries engaged in manufacturing protein and grain-based products 64.2% (70/109). Majority reported cleaning and removal of inedible or unwanted parts as part of their various operations and techniques 99.1% (107/109). The mean score indicated that 56.0% (61/109) industries had a low level of compliance to HACCP guidelines. Conclusion: The study revealed a low level of compliance to HACCP guidelines in food processing industries in Nansana municipality, Uganda. The high prevalence of foodborne illnesses in the region causes significant public health burden, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Addressing the identified compliance gaps and improving food safety practices in these industries is crucial to mitigate the risks associated with foodborne illnesses and enhancing public health outcome.