A survey was carried out by personal interview to assess the awareness of basic food hygiene and food safety amongst 77 HIV-positive individuals attending a single hospital.

There was some confusion and lack of knowledge about aspects of food storage and despite the fact that 74% of subjects had modified their diet since learning their HIV status (mainly for nutritional reasons) only 25% reported receiving information on food safety.

Of the subjects interviewed, 96%, 66% and 23% were aware of the risks of infection from Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes and Cryptosporidium, respectively ; although most were not aware of the UK Government's advice on the consumption of eggs, soft cheese, pate and cook-chill foods.

Over 40% of those interviewed reported that they did not drink tap water (most drank bottled water instead), but few were aware of infections potentially transmitted through water.

Although pets represent a potential source of a wide variety of infectious agents, there was a high level of awareness of this problem.

This study highlights the need for improving the availability of information on food hygiene and infections acquired through food and water to HIV-positive individuals.