Authors : Olasunmbo Abolanle Ajayi and Taiwo Salaudeen
Abstract: Consumer food safety knowledge and awareness is important in reducing the prevalence of foodborne diseases. The objectives were to identify some of the risky eating habits and determine the level of consumers awareness in Nigeria. Total 100 questionnaires were randomly distributed in Osun and Lagos States between February to March, 2013. Total of 87 responses were analyzed using descriptive and nonparametric statistics. All of the respondents eat outside their homes. Most preferred covered restaurants but 14% eat street vended foods. About 30% eat with fingers and or cutlery and 91.5 and 96.5% wash hands with soap before and after eating. Over 51% drink unpasteurized milk, 61% drink borehole/well water and 85% eat suya. Total 68% of the respondents were familiar with the health implications of suya consumption and also with foodborne pathogens. There were statistical associations between gender, age, level of income, marital status, risky eating habits and awareness of food hazards. Consumers may claim to know about hazards in foods, the knowledge has not translated to changes in eating behavior, therefore campaigns should be targeted at improving food safety education in Nigeria.
Olasunmbo Abolanle Ajayi and Taiwo Salaudeen, 2014. Consumer Food Safety Awareness and Knowledge in Nigeria. Agricultural Journal, 9: 191-198.