Abstract

Background: Food-borne diseases are a major public health problem worldwide, particularly in developing countries where food safety systems are often inadequate. Commercial food handlers play a key role in preventing or transmitting food-borne illnesses, as poor personal hygiene, unsafe handling practices, and limited food-safety knowledge, can result in food contamination. In Nigerian urban settings, rapid urbanization, increasing consumption of ready-to-eat foods (fast-foods), and weak regulation of food establishments have increased the risk of food-borne diseases.
Objective: This study assessed the knowledge and practices of food hygiene and safety among commercial food handlers in Sokoto Metropolis, Northwest Nigeria, and identified factors affecting hygiene practices.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 390 food handlers selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, food hygiene knowledge, and self-reported hygiene practices. An observation checklist was used to assess actual hygiene practices and sanitary conditions of food establishments. Knowledge and practice scores were categorized as good or poor using a 60% cut-off point. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 20, incorporating descriptive measures, chi-square testing, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression at a 5% significance level.
Results: Poor food hygiene knowledge was observed in 53.0% of respondents, while 54.4% reported poor hygiene practices. Observational assessment showed poorer compliance, with 60.9% exhibiting inadequate practices. Educational level and hygiene knowledge were significant predictors of good hygiene practice, and many food establishments lacked basic sanitary facilities.
Conclusion: Food hygiene knowledge and practices among commercial food handlers in Sokoto Metropolis were generally poor, underscoring the need for regular training, routine inspection of food premises, and stricter enforcement of food-safety regulations.

Key words: Food-Hygiene, Knowledge, Safety, Practice, Nigeria