Food safety and sanitation challenges of public university students in a developing country

Inadequate catering facilities in Kenyan public universities compel students to handle and prepare their own food, in environments not designated for food preparation such as rooms in hostels. This study investigated the level of food safety and sanitation knowledge, attitude, and practice, among students in an effort to prevent food-borne diseases. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 535 students from two public universities in Kenya. Data were obtained through a piloted, structured questionnaire in line with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) guidelines, administered to students from seven different departments. Eighty percent of the students had adequate levels of food safety and hygiene knowledge, while 70% had a positive attitude toward food safety and sanitation. An average of 74% engaged in inadequate food safety and hygiene practices, with majority citing lack of equipment as a major contributor. ANOVA results revealed significant correlation between the gender and knowledge and practice of food safety and sanitation (F = 30.328, ρ = 0.000) and (F = 18.177,ρ = 0.000), respectively. Binary logistic regression showed that knowledge (β = 3.677, p < .000) fostered the practice of food safety and sanitation more in comparison with attitude (β = 2.244, p < .000). Kenyan universities should consider introducing food safety courses that emphasize Food Safety Management System (FSMS) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) practices and procedures especially to non-science-based courses, in addition to providing students with proper cooking and food handling facilities.