ASSESSMENT OF FOOD HYGIENE PRACTICES IN THE PREVENTION OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS AMONG FOOD VENDORS IN EDE NORTH, OSUN-STATE.

Foodborne illnesses/diseases remain a significant worldwide public health concern Food hygiene covers the tools and equipment used in the preparation, serving, and consumption of a wide range of foods and beverages. It also covers the treatment and care of animals to avoid contaminating food items that come from animal hosts. The study was conducted to quantitatively assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of food hygiene practices among food vendor in Ede North, Osun state The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) was ideally suited as the theoretical framework for this study because it comprehensively accounts for the assessment of food hygiene practices in the prevention of food borne illnesses. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to select 303 food vendors, using simple cluster sampling technique. semi-structured interviewer-assisted questionnaire was used as instrument of data collection. The responses were analyzed with descriptive statistics (Frequency, table, graphical representation) using SPSS Version 23.0 and association between categorical variables was tested by chi square test. The mean age was 39.2+9.0 years. The result showed that some the survey sampled 303 food vendors, predominantly female (90.1%) and largely Yoruba (82.8%). Most respondents fell within the 25–44year age range (72.6%), were married (63.0%), and had attained at least secondary education (76.3%). Islam was the dominant religion (63.4%) most respondents (44.9%) have been vending for (44.9%) 1-5years. These demographics suggest a well-educated, middle-aged, married, ethnically Yoruba, female majority among the vendors and majority among the vendors are experienced. This study concludes that while food vendors in the Ede North Local Government Area possess a basic understanding and relatively good attitudes toward food safety, there are notable deficiencies in specific knowledge areas and critical hygiene practices. The high level of awareness about the consequences of contaminated food contrasts with the inconsistent application of preventive measures, such as hand hygiene, use of gloves, and jewelry removal. it was therefore recommended that implement regular practical training sessions for vendors, focusing on hand hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, and use of protective gear. Government health agencies and NGOs should conduct regular awareness and sensitization campaigns in Ede North local government to reinforce food safety knowledge and promote positive hygiene behavior among food vendors. Local authorities should enforce existing food safety regulations, such as mandatory medical screenings and food handler certification.