Abstract
Food-borne disease outbreaks, especially food poisoning, are known to be common occurrences
that are not reported timeously (or not at all) and consequently are not investigated, controlled
and prevented. Environmental health practitioners (EHPs) are responsible for conducting an
environmental health investigation when a food-borne disease outbreak has occurred or a case of
food-borne disease is reported, to ensure that findings of epidemiological and laboratory
investigations are supported as most of the food-borne disease occurrences are due to
environmental factors. This motivated the researcher to conduct a quantitative, descriptive study
to determine the current practices and perceptions of EHPs when conducting outbreak
investigations of food-borne disease. The target population comprised registered EHPs working
at Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. A simple random sampling technique was used to
select the participants and data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The data was
captured using the Statistical Package Social Science (SPSS) software programme, then
converted and analysed using Microsoft Excel. The tools for data collection were piloted prior to
commencing the study and errors in methods and procedures were identified and corrected.
Ethical considerations were adhered to at all the stages of the study.
The results indicated that there were gaps and challenges in knowledge and practice; however
the attitude of EHPs was positive with regard to their role in outbreak investigations. The study
recommended improvements that could be implemented in the current practices.
M. Tech. (Environmental Health)