Water quality in food outlets (Malawi)

Access to potable water is one of the most important aspects of ensuring consumer safety and quality drinking water is fundamental to health. In public food outlets where contamination of water may cause the outbreak of diseases, monitoring of water quality is a challenge and regular water testing done. The study aimed at analysing water samples from food outlets in Nkhotakota district in Malawi for the presence of water contaminants that are an indication of poor sanitation. It was a cross-sectional study design, water samples from participating food outlets (n = 29) selected randomly were analysed for microbiological and physico-chemical parameters. The investigation was based on an observational checklist, questionnaire and laboratory tests on water samples obtained from the water source and the point of use in food outlets. It was found that few food outlets (17%, n = 29) were using water contaminated with Faecal coliform and faecal streptococcus and most food outlets (97%, n = 29) had unsafe levels of turbidity in reference to MS 214.2013 standards. Water used in food outlets were compliant in reference to MS 214.2013 with pH (5.6 – 7.4), Temperature (12 – 33 °C), Electrical conductivity (27 – 874), TDS (17 – 437), Sodium (28 -200 mg/L), and chloride (28 – 148 mg/L). The analysis of variance (p < 0.05) revealed significant variation of turbidity and chloride across the points. The general sanitation and hygiene of the food outlets were poor and half of the food handlers (50%, n=30) had no knowledge on water contaminations. Based on the findings, it was concluded that the microbial contamination of water was due to poor sanitation and a lack of knowledge of food handlers. The study recommended routine water quality testing and the provision of orientation sessions on sanitation and hygiene by the district council followed by inspection.