Abstracts
Nilanjana Ghosh
Abstract
Water quality, water behavior along with food quality, food behavior, domestic environment and food handler???s hygiene play pivotal role in preventing food and water borne diseases. Working women seemingly face more hazards and perceived negligence is higher in hilly tribal population. Thus the pilot study was undertaken. The objective of the study is to assess water quality at source and household level and cooked food quality, immediate domestic environment along with determining their existing knowledge/practices regarding water and food handling techniques. Water and food, abasic necessity, a fundamental right of each individual needs to be accessible, available, affordable as also potable and hygienic. 80% of all human morbidities are caused through contaminated food and water (WHO)1 . Gastroenteritis, cholera, typhoid, giardiasis, hepatitis, diarrhoea are few major public health problems in developing countriesincurring huge financial burden2 . Thus water quality of drinking water and water behaviour ofbeneficiaries play decisive role in ensuring favourable health indicators. Moreover Goal 2 of SDG statingZero Hunger, it is imperative to ensure right quantity and right quality of food reaches every platter. Cooked food quality, its immediate domestic environment comprising of the kitchen utensils and dining area,food handler’s hygiene and appropriate food behaviour become mandatory prerequisites in avoiding food borne illnesses.