Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Food Safety and Hygiene 2476-3241 12 1 2026 04 01 75 86 Choongo Mulungu Ministry of Health Lalisa Nambeye Public Health Department, Ministry of Health – Lusaka District Health Office, Lusaka, Zambia Zimba Newstead Public Health Department, Ministry of Health – Lusaka District Health Office, Lusaka, Zambia Astridah Maseka 1Public Health Department, Ministry of Health – Lusaka District Health Office, Lusaka, Zambia Clinical Care Department, Ministry of Health – Lusaka District Health Office, Lusaka, Zambia 2026 03 20 2026 07 21 Unsafe food handling continues to threaten public health worldwide, with African countries facing particular challenges due to limited enforcement and infrastructure. This study investigated regulatory awareness and hygiene behaviors among food courier bikers in Lusaka, Zambia, and their implications for food safety compliance. We conducted a district-wide survey of 196 food couriers in Lusaka, using a structured questionnaire to assess their awareness, attitudes, and hygiene practices. Results revealed a predominantly young workforce (mean age 28.4 years) with moderate education but limited training (13.8%) and certification (9.7%). Overall, their knowledge, attitudes, and hygiene practices scored poorly. Attitudes emerged as a stronger driver of safe behavior (r =0.51) than knowledge (r = 0.42), underscoring the importance of shaping perceptions alongside training. Regression models explained 32% of the variance in knowledge and 41% in behavior, though individual predictors did not reach statistical significance. These findings suggest that voluntary training and demographic factors alone may not adequately ensure compliance, highlighting the need for structural interventions. Structural barriers such as weak enforcement, lack of equipment, and prioritization of speed over safety further undermine safe practices. We recommend mandatory certification, competency-based training, and stricter oversight to align Zambia’s courier sector with international food safety standards. Addressing these gaps is critical to safeguarding public health in the rapidly expanding online food delivery sector. https://jfsh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jfsh/article/view/613