ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF FOOD HYGIENE AMONG FOOD VENDORS IN JOSEPH AYO BABALOLA UNIVERSITY IKEJI ARAKEJI OSUN STATE, NIGERIA.

This study investigates the knowledge, practices, and influencing factors of food hygiene among vendors in Joseph Ayo Babalola University Ikeji Arakeji, Osun State, Nigeria. A descriptive croess-sectional design approach was employed, utilising a self-structured questionnaire to gather data from 50 food vendors operating within the university community. The demographic characteristics of the vendors, including age, gender, education level, and length of employment in food services, were analyzed to provide context for understanding their knowledge and practices of food hygiene. The findings revealed a generally satisfactory level of knowledge and adherence to basic hygiene practices among vendors. However, challenges such as difficulties in keeping up with evolving regulations, inadequate infrastructure, and economic pressures were identified as barriers to consistent implementation of food hygiene practices. Despite these challenges, there is potential for improvement through targeted education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and policy interventions aimed at promoting a culture of food safety. Based on the findings, recommendations are made to improve food hygiene practices among vendors, including education and training programs, infrastructure improvements, regulatory enforcement measures, public awareness campaigns, and support for small-scale vendors. Overall, the study highlights the importance of addressing both individual and systemic factors to enhance food safety standards and protect public health in the university community