Gastrointestinal symptoms and knowledge and practice of pilgrims regarding food and water safety during the 2019 Hajj mass gathering

Table 3 Food and water-related practices among pilgrims

Practice	Category	n	%
General practice
Use different kitchenware for raw and cooked food or wash them thoroughly between use		1292
	Yes	1036	80.2
	No	171	13.2
	Sometimes	85	6.6
Ate food past its expiry date		1323
	Yes	31	2.3
	No	1261	95.4
	Not sure	31	2.3
Thaw frozen food at room temperature		1301
	Yes	614	47.2
	No	561	43.1
	Sometimes	126	9.7
Clean food preparation surfaces before use		1300
	Yes	1198	92.2
	No	16	1.2
	Sometimes	86	6.6
Wash fruits/vegetables before consumption		1306
	Yes	1187	90.9
	No	17	1.3
	Sometimes	102	7.8
Wash hands	Before eating	1219	92.1
	After eating	1307	98.2
	Before cooking	1122	90.1
	After cooking	1185	95.0
	Before using the toilet	710	55.0
	After using the toilet	1299	98.4
Practice during Hajj
Carried food while performing Hajj rituals	Yes	373	30.3
	Raw food^a	239	64.1
	Canned food	119	31.9
	Cooked food	32	8.6
Stored cooked for > 2 h during Hajj	Yes	277	21.0
	In a fridge	157	56.6
	At room temperature	146	52.7
Eaten cooked food stored at room temp for > 2 h	Yes	231	17.4
Shared water/liquids with others	Yes	218	16.3
	From the same cup	32	14.6
	From the same bottle	186	85.4
Shared food with others	Yes	339	25.4
	Using the same utensils	30	4.0
	Using the same plate	308	40.8
Persons shared food and water with
	Family	533	95.7
	Friends	343	61.6
	Roommates/Hajj mission	229	41,1
	Other Hajjis	66	11.8

ISSN: 1471-2458