Using Smartphone Technology to Assess the Food Safety Practices of Farmers’ Market Foodservice Employees

Due to the danger of food-borne illnesses associated with temporary foodservice establishments coupled with the increasing popularity of farmers’ markets, there is a growing need for an authentic examination of employees’ food safety practices. This study adopted a technology-based observational tool to assess whether farmers’ market foodservice employees performed proper hand-washing behaviors. Using smartphones, a total of 73 farmers’ market employees were observed, with their hand-washing behaviors compared to the Indiana State Health Code and County Health Inspector’s requirements. Results indicated that the frequency of hand washing varies depending on employee’s role, market location, and market size.