Copyright © 2013, FoodHACCP.com Publishing Consumer Food Safety Awareness and Knowledge in Nigeria

Consumer knowledge of food safety and awareness of hazards in food is important in reducing the prevalence of foodborne diseases. The objective of this study is to identify some of the risky eating habits and determine the level of awareness about food safety of consumers in Nigeria. One hundred survey questionnaires were randomly distributed to consumers in Iwo, Osun State and Lagos State between Feb-March 2013. The responses of 87 respondents were analyzed using descriptive and nonparametric statistics. The results showed that 100 % of the respondents eat outside of their homes regularly. Most consumers preferred covered restaurants but 14 % eat in bukas (open canteen) and street vended foods. About 30 % eat with their fingers and or cutlery. About 91.5 % and 96.5 % wash hands with soap before and after eating. Over 51 % consume raw unpasteurized milk, 61 % drink borehole/well water and 85 % eat suya. 68 % of the respondents said they 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. These findings show that although consumers may 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