FOOD SAFETY KNOWLEDGE AND HEALTH INFORMATION NEEDS OF STREET FOOD VENDORS IN MORO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KWARA STATE
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Street food vending constitutes a vital component of the informal economy in Nigeria, providing affordable meals to the public and income for vendors. However, it also presents significant public health risks due to unsafe food handling and limited access to health information. This study investigated food safety practices and health information needs of street food vendors in Moro Local Government Area, Kwara State.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 320 street food vendors selected using multistage sampling techniques. Data were collected through a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, awareness and knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices, sources of information, and perceived barriers. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for data analysis, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The majority of respondents were female (90.9%), aged 31–42 years (48.4%), and had low educational attainment, with 39.1% having no formal education. Although 78.1% had heard of foodborne illnesses, only 36.9% were aware of specific causes. Most of the respondents (82.2%) had good knowledge of food safety and hygiene. Only 25.9% had received formal training on food hygiene and safety, mainly from health officers (39.8%) and associations (39.8%), while 20.5% were trained by NGOs. Significant associations were found between education level, income, experience, and hygiene practices (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: While awareness of food safety and hygiene among street vendors in Moro LGA was relatively high, their technical knowledge and hygienic practices remained inadequate. Limited access to credible health information and infrastructural constraints hindered food safety compliance. Regular training, improved water and waste infrastructure, and government support are essential to enhance food safety in this informal sector.
Keywords: Street food vendors, food safety, foodborne illnesses, hygiene practices, public health, health information, Moro Local Government Area, Nigeria
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