Journal of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
(ISSN: 2659 – 0743)
Volume 8, No. 1, 2026
Pages 73-89
DOI: 10.36108/jvbs/6202.80.0160
Assessment of Food Safety, Knowledge and Food Handling Practices Amongst Students in the University of Abuja, Nigeria
Onyema Chiamaka Rita1*, Adeiza Abdulrahhman1, Poroye Oluwatosin Mercy1, Bolorunduro Babatunde Bramwell1 and Ogunleye Boluwatife Elijah1
1Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja
ABSTRACT
The study examined food safety knowledge and handling practices among undergraduate students at the University of Abuja, Nigeria, highlighting the importance of understanding students’ behaviors in promoting safe food handling. A descriptive cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire was conducted among 307 students to assess the influence of socio-demographic factors, internal locus of self-control, external locus of control, and chance locus of control on food safety knowledge, food handling practices, and food preservation behaviors. Findings revealed gaps between students’ theoretical understanding of food safety and their practical application, particularly in areas such as proper food storage, prevention of cross-contamination, and sanitation. While students generally possessed basic food safety knowledge, many engaged in risky practices, exacerbated by external challenges such as unreliable electricity for refrigeration. Gender differences were observed, with female students demonstrating better food handling practices compared to males. The findings contribute to public health efforts aimed at enhancing food safety in university environments and offer recommendations for improving food safety education.
Keywords: Food Safety, Nigeria, Students, Survey