Evaluation of Food Safety Awareness, Knowledge and Practice among Sudanese University Students

Abstract

This study was conducted in Khartoum-Sudan between October 2021 and February 2022 to evaluate the extent to which university students in Khartoum State are concerned about food safety. It also assessed their knowledge and practice in food microbiology, preparation, storage, and hygiene, and the effect of gender on food safety awareness, Knowledge, and practice. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect data from 400 students representing four colleges: veterinary, dentistry, banking, and languages (each 100 questionnaires). The questionnaire was divided into three sections: demographic characteristics, practice, and knowledge. Practice and knowledge took three values: good (65%-100%), fair (46%-65%) poor (<45%). The overall results of participants were fair in food handling practice (54.9±21.6) and poor in food safety knowledge (40.9±11.8). The results revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in food safety practice and knowledge among gender; the female got higher scores, since they are responsible for the kitchen in the Sudanese daily life. The result also revealed that the health-related students had got higher scores in food safety knowledge since their study program was related to food microbiology and safety. In conclusion, Sudanese students need more education and awareness concerning food safety measures.