Factors hindering compliance with food safety among food handlers in Benin city markets, Edo state, Nigeria

Abstract

Outbreaks of foodborne diseases globally still exist and continue to generate public health concerns. This raises possible concerns that the extent of food safety regulation is not taken seriously among the regulation authorities, food handlers and even the consumers of food in markets and streets. Evidence of the impact of these food-borne illnesses exists and they pose not only health but also economic challenges on global health and national growth. This study aimed to examine the compliance with safe food hygiene practices and factors hindering compliance with food safety practices among food handlers in Benin-City, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted in conducting this study. A total of 269 participants were recruited after ethical clearance from the health authority in Benin-city. Data collection was with the use of structured questionnaires and observational checklists. Retrieved data were coded and recorded in a secured system, analyzed using SPSS 21. More than half (57.7%) of the respondents had poor compliance with (21.9%) having good compliance, while the rest (20.4%) had fair compliance. Also, the majority of the respondents identified lack of potable water in cooking areas, lack of financial support and training as factors hindering their food safety compliance. Lack of compliance with food safety exists among food vendors in the markets. The relationship between the years of handling food, level of education of food handlers, and compliance with food hygiene practices was statistically significant. Non-compliance with food safety exist among food vendors in the markets despite self-reported positive practices.