Abstract:

Abstract Introduction: Food must be accessible in sufficient quantity, on a regular and permanent basis, totally free and with good food handling practices. Objective: Thus, the objective of this study was to diagnose hygienic and sanitary conditions of the feeding and nutrition units of preschools in Palmeira das Missões – Rio Grande do Sul state. Method: This work is a research with a cross-qualitative-quantitative approach. Data were collected through observation and application in situ of a selection list in good practices of the Collaborating Center of Food and School Nutrition in seven municipal schools of early childhood education. Results: The average of the general good practice percentage of the evaluated schools was 31.5 ± 4.3%. The category ‘Buildings’ and facilities of the food preparation area obtained the highest percentage of adequacy, 50.5 ± 13.5%. On the other hand, the ‘Receiving’ block had the lowest adequacy index. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the importance of accompanying the elaboration, preparation and manipulation of school feeding as well as the physical structure of the places, in order to improve the food supply and consumption of students. Author Biographies Kamila da Silva Brasil Fortes, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Campus Palmeira das Missões, Santa Maria, RS Nutricionista. Carla Cristina Bauermann Brasil, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Campus Palmeira das Missões, Santa Maria, RS Doutora e Mestre em Ciência e Tecnologia dos Alimentos - Especialista em Qualidade de Alimentos Bacharel e licenciada em Nutrição.

Keywords: