ABSTRACT

Food-borne diseases (FBD) are common public health problems experienced daily, which are part of several outbreaks that worsen the health quality of the world’s population and economy. This study assessed the knowledge on food poisoning and food safety practices among undergraduates in University of Benin, Benin city, Edo state. The study was outlined into five chapters. Chapter one of this study dealt with the introduction of the topic, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research questions, hypotheses and scope of study, the significance of the study and operational definition of terms. Relevant literature were reviewed in Chapter two on the subject under discourse, theoretical framework and empirical review of related studies were also discussed in this chapter. Chapter three dealt with research methodology, which adopted the survey research design, and convenient sampling method was used to select three hundred and seventy-four (374) undergraduates of University of Benin, Benin city, Edo state. A well-structured questionnaire was used as instrument of data collection. Analysis and interpretation of data were discussed in Chapter Four, using tables with percentage and means to represent the information. The result from the study shows that the majority of the respondents had good level of knowledge. Also, this study reveals that majority of the respondents have good level of knowledge of food safety practices. Furthermore, this study revealed several factors were identified in the study and these factors had a significant influence on the practice of food safety and prevention of food poisoning among undergraduates in the study area.

Keywords: Knowledge, Food poisoning, Food safety practice, Foodborne diseases, Undgergraduates