Food safety knowledge and attitudes among fish vendors in informal markets in Ilorin, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background With the rising demand for fish and increasing concerns about foodborne illnesses, understanding vendors' perspectives is critical for enhancing food safety standards. This cross-sectional study assessed food safety knowledge and attitudes among fish sellers operating in inf...

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Main Authors: Ibraheem Ghali-Mohammed, Tajudeen Opeyemi Isola, Ismail Adewuyi Adeyemo, Rafiu Adebisi Kadir, Hawau Motunrayo Ambali, Nma Bida Alhaji, Ismail Ayoade Odetokun
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2024-11-01
Series:Discover Food
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s44187-024-00232-2
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author Ibraheem Ghali-Mohammed
Tajudeen Opeyemi Isola
Ismail Adewuyi Adeyemo
Rafiu Adebisi Kadir
Hawau Motunrayo Ambali
Nma Bida Alhaji
Ismail Ayoade Odetokun
author_facet Ibraheem Ghali-Mohammed
Tajudeen Opeyemi Isola
Ismail Adewuyi Adeyemo
Rafiu Adebisi Kadir
Hawau Motunrayo Ambali
Nma Bida Alhaji
Ismail Ayoade Odetokun
author_sort Ibraheem Ghali-Mohammed
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background With the rising demand for fish and increasing concerns about foodborne illnesses, understanding vendors' perspectives is critical for enhancing food safety standards. This cross-sectional study assessed food safety knowledge and attitudes among fish sellers operating in informal fish markets in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria, using a structured questionnaire administered via face-to-face interviews between October and December 2023. Methods A total of 240 fish vendors completed the survey. A stepwise backward binary logistic regression model was used to identify the independent factors associated with good knowledge or satisfactory attitudes toward food safety among fish vendors. Results Over 62.5% of the respondents had good food safety knowledge, particularly in areas such as personal hygiene and cross-contamination. However, misconceptions about foodborne diseases persist. While attitudes toward food safety were generally positive, certain practices such as wearing protective gear were less endorsed. Demographic factors significantly influenced both knowledge and attitudes. Logistic regression analysis revealed that respondents in older age groups were at least 11 times more likely to have satisfactory attitudes (OR: 10.5, 95% CI: 1.8–62.8, p = 0.015) toward food safety. Additionally, participants with smaller family sizes were four times more likely to display satisfactory attitudes toward fish safety. Conclusion These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, including training programs and government regulations, to improve fish vendors’ food safety practices. Strengthening education and enforcement measures is crucial for safeguarding public health and enhancing the quality of fish products in informal markets in Ilorin.
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spelling doaj-art-0db73ee2e294428d933c36d380cf16912025-08-20T02:08:19ZengSpringerDiscover Food2731-42862024-11-014111210.1007/s44187-024-00232-2Food safety knowledge and attitudes among fish vendors in informal markets in Ilorin, Nigeria: a cross-sectional studyIbraheem Ghali-Mohammed0Tajudeen Opeyemi Isola1Ismail Adewuyi Adeyemo2Rafiu Adebisi Kadir3Hawau Motunrayo Ambali4Nma Bida Alhaji5Ismail Ayoade Odetokun6Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of IlorinDepartment of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of IlorinDepartment of Veterinary Microbiology, University of IlorinDepartment of Veterinary Medicine, University of IlorinDepartment of Veterinary Medicine, University of IlorinAfrica Centre of Excellence for Mycotoxin and Food Safety, Federal University of TechnologyDepartment of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of IlorinAbstract Background With the rising demand for fish and increasing concerns about foodborne illnesses, understanding vendors' perspectives is critical for enhancing food safety standards. This cross-sectional study assessed food safety knowledge and attitudes among fish sellers operating in informal fish markets in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria, using a structured questionnaire administered via face-to-face interviews between October and December 2023. Methods A total of 240 fish vendors completed the survey. A stepwise backward binary logistic regression model was used to identify the independent factors associated with good knowledge or satisfactory attitudes toward food safety among fish vendors. Results Over 62.5% of the respondents had good food safety knowledge, particularly in areas such as personal hygiene and cross-contamination. However, misconceptions about foodborne diseases persist. While attitudes toward food safety were generally positive, certain practices such as wearing protective gear were less endorsed. Demographic factors significantly influenced both knowledge and attitudes. Logistic regression analysis revealed that respondents in older age groups were at least 11 times more likely to have satisfactory attitudes (OR: 10.5, 95% CI: 1.8–62.8, p = 0.015) toward food safety. Additionally, participants with smaller family sizes were four times more likely to display satisfactory attitudes toward fish safety. Conclusion These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, including training programs and government regulations, to improve fish vendors’ food safety practices. Strengthening education and enforcement measures is crucial for safeguarding public health and enhancing the quality of fish products in informal markets in Ilorin.https://doi.org/10.1007/s44187-024-00232-2Food safetyFish vendorsInformal marketsKnowledgeAttitudesNigeria
spellingShingle Ibraheem Ghali-Mohammed
Tajudeen Opeyemi Isola
Ismail Adewuyi Adeyemo
Rafiu Adebisi Kadir
Hawau Motunrayo Ambali
Nma Bida Alhaji
Ismail Ayoade Odetokun
Food safety knowledge and attitudes among fish vendors in informal markets in Ilorin, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
Discover Food
Food safety
Fish vendors
Informal markets
Knowledge
Attitudes
Nigeria
title Food safety knowledge and attitudes among fish vendors in informal markets in Ilorin, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
title_full Food safety knowledge and attitudes among fish vendors in informal markets in Ilorin, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
title_fullStr Food safety knowledge and attitudes among fish vendors in informal markets in Ilorin, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
title_full_unstemmed Food safety knowledge and attitudes among fish vendors in informal markets in Ilorin, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
title_short Food safety knowledge and attitudes among fish vendors in informal markets in Ilorin, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
title_sort food safety knowledge and attitudes among fish vendors in informal markets in ilorin nigeria a cross sectional study
topic Food safety
Fish vendors
Informal markets
Knowledge
Attitudes
Nigeria
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s44187-024-00232-2
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