Abstract
Abstract
Introduction:
Food safety in the food market is one of the key areas of focus in public health, because it affects people of every age, race, gender, and income level around the world. Food can transmit pathogens, which can result in illness or death in people and/or animals. The main media are bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungus. Therefore, the study aimed to examine factors affecting food safety knowledge among food vendors, and attitudes towards food, hygiene, and safety in a city in North-central Nigeria.
Methods
The study design used was a descriptive cross-sectional study using quantitative method of data collection. The study population comprised food vendors in selected vending sites in Ilorin South Local Government Area, Kwara State. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire.
Result
The majority of the food handlers (85.9%) had adequate knowledge of food hygiene and safety, especially among respondents within the working experience group 0–9 years (65.0%). However, about half of the food handlers (50.9%) had a poor attitude towards food hygiene and safety. The study showed that level of education and working experience were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the attitude of the food handlers towards food hygiene and safety. The socio-demographic characteristics of food vendors’ knowledge, attitude, and practice included working experience, marital status, and educational level.
Conclusion
It was conclusively inferred that most of the respondents had good knowledge of food hygiene and food safety practices, while a poor attitude towards food hygiene and safety was prevalent in about half of the population. Therefore, more sensitization needs to be channeled towards food vendors with a low level of education, so as to improve their knowledge and practice towards food safety.