Food hygiene knowledge, attitude and practices among food handlers in Calabar Municipal, Cross River State, Nigeria

Background: The risk of foodborne diseases increase with poor food handling practices. Unsafe food leads to the spread of diseases which increases morbidity and occasionally mortality, significantly impeding public health. This study was aimed to determine food hygiene knowledge, attitude, and practices among food handlers in Calabar Municipal, Cross River State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 156 food handlers were randomly selected and interviewed using a structured pretested questionnaire. Direct observation of environment and hygiene practices while handling or serving the food was also done. SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis and testing associations using Chi square test. Results: The finding of the study revealed that majority 135(86.6%) of the food handlers had good knowledge of food safety and hygiene. Most 134(86%) of the respondents also had good level of practice of food hygiene. Majority 118(75.6%) were also found to have good attitude towards food hygiene. but few still had poor practice. The proportion who had good food hygiene practice was higher among handlers with good food hygiene knowledge levels compared to those with poor knowledge levels, (87.3% versus 66.6%) and the difference was statically significant (P =0.002). Moderately sanitary food vending environments were also observed in the study. Conclusion: Good food hygiene practices is associated with good knowledge levels. We recommend health education courses/ workshops for food handlers as a requirement for commencement of food vending business. Continuous monitoring and periodic training is also essential in order to improve knowledge, attitude and practice towards food safety.