A Study about the Impact of Nutrition Education and Awareness of Food Safety among Women SHG Members

This study aims to create awareness about food safety practices among women involved in the food processing trade in India.

Popularity of processed foods is increasing in India’s suburban and rural areas. Food prepared and packaged in the unorganized sector, however, poses a health hazard because the food processing units are characterized by a lack of quality control measures and personal hygiene of food handlers. SHGs in India are increasingly getting into the food processing business, but their awareness about food safety is very low. The study team interviewed 150 SHG women involved in food processing in Dindigul District. Results show that:

• SHG women involved in food processing lack awareness about food safety;
• Educational materials need to emphasize safe food handling practices among these women;
• Food safety education must be a collaborative effort between food producers, educators and food safety professionals for it to be effective.

Finally the study evaluates the impact of food safety education programs. Findings reveal that these programs significantly increase participants’ knowledge about food safety and hygienic practices.