Investigation of compliance on good manufacturing practices (GMP) and hygiene conditions in enterprises that supply mass catering services

Nutrition which is leading our basic need for being healthy as well as able to survive has changed so much from the old days of human history until today. Whilst in ancient ages people fulfilled their needs by the food which comes from hunting, gathering and being produced, as the time passed by they began to consume what others produced by making job seperation among themselves. Mass food production and consumption increased due to industrial revolution, rapid urbanization, rapid increase in the number of people and women's employment cause of economic requirements. Due to these reasons, the number of companies which engage mass food production has increased rapidly at the present time. In this research, the physical conditions, food warehouse areas, kitchen planning, equipment used in kitchens of six companies which engage mass food production in the province of İstanbul which are grouped as large, medium and small, was inspected in compliance with eligibility for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) system and hygiene regulations of the units, according to the two-stage audit forms. According to the result of the study, it is determined that the kitchen area of 67% of the companies is sufficient. Generally , it is also determined that the units required to be in the companies in those which is large 100% sufficient ,it is only 50% sufficient for those companies which is medium and small scale. Physical conditions were found to be conforming to standards for the 67% of the enterprises , and not for the rest.After the result of first and second audit ,67% of the companies were rated successful by getting a passing grade compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices and hygiene regulations. And the remaining 33% of the companies could not receive a passing grade in the first and second audits. As a result of this research it is concluded that the companies which have passing grade are more in percentage, and our country is making progress in standards and regulations in food industry.