KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF FOOD HYGIENE AMONG FOOD VENDORS IN UGBOR COMMUNITY, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

Abstract

Food hygiene is a fundamental aspect of public health, crucial for preventing foodborne illnesses which remain a significant global burden. Despite the known importance of safe food handling, studies indicate that poor hygiene practices among food vendors are a major contributor to disease outbreaks, particularly in urban and semi-urban communities in developing countries. In Nigeria, the high prevalence of diarrheal diseases suggests underlying food safety problems, with street food vendors often operating under unhygienic conditions. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of food hygiene among food vendors in Ugbor Community, Benin City. The study specifically sought to examine level of knowledge of food hygiene, attitude of food vendors towards food hygiene, the practice of food hygiene the food vendors adopt while running their business and the type of medical examination that is being done before a new food vendor is taken and periodic examination being done in Ugbor community , Benin City, Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, and data was collected from 97 food vendors using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The study revealed that while a majority of food vendors in Ugbor Community had good knowledge of food hygiene principles, this knowledge was not consistently translated into practice. Findings indicated significant gaps in critical practices such as regular handwashing with soap, proper separation of raw and cooked foods, and effective waste disposal. The study also identified a low rate of pre-employment and periodic medical examinations among the vendors. This study highlights a critical knowledge-practice gap and underscores the need for targeted interventions, including structured training programs, regular monitoring, and enforcement of food safety regulations by relevant health authorities to improve hygiene practices among food vendors in Ugbor Community. Keywords: Food hygiene, Food vendors, Knowledge, Practice, Foodborne illness, Benin City.