Safe preparation of Chinese cold dishes during major conferences: Identifying significant microbial hazards and relevant, perceived barriers

Abstract Cold dishes are an essential part of Chinese cuisine offered in Chinese restaurants. So far, no data are available to identify significant microbial hazards and relevant, perceived barriers food handlers may have to take appropriate health and safety measures in food preparation. Two hotel restaurants serving foods for a conference were selected from a list of restaurants provided by the People's Liberation Army Institute of Disease Control and Prevention. Data collection took place during a 12-day conference held in 2012. The entire process of cold dish preparation was observed and participants were given a questionnaire to complete. The goal of a