Assessment of Food Safety and Hygiene Practices Among Canteen Owners in Ede, Osun State, Nigeria

This study evaluates food safety and hygiene practices among Ede, Osun State, Nigeria canteen owners. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. 200 respondents participated in the survey, revealing significant demographic insights. The age distribution indicated that 10.0% were aged 20-25 years, 15.6% were aged 26-30 years, 30.0% were aged 31-35 years, and a notable 44.4% were aged 36 years and above, suggesting a predominance of older respondents. Gender analysis highlighted a substantial female majority, with 87.8% of respondents identifying as female. Educational qualifications varied, with 37.8% holding O’level qualifications, making it the most common level attained. Religious affiliation showed that 65.6% were Christians, while job experience in food services revealed that 37.8% had 1-5 years of experience. On hygiene practices, the results were promising: 56.6% of canteens had adequate washing facilities, and an impressive 88.9% practiced handwashing when switching between raw and ready-to-eat foods. However, less than half of the respondents demonstrated sufficient hygiene and food preservation knowledge. The findings underscore the critical need for targeted education on food safety to mitigate health risks associated with improper food handling. Additionally, the nutritional assessment indicated that most canteen owners maintained an average weight, reflecting good nutritional status among this group. This study provides essential insights for developing effective training programs to enhance food safety standards in canteens, ultimately promoting better public health outcomes in the community.