Domestic Food Handlers' Food Safety Risk Perception and Practices in Bangladesh: A Comparative Pre-and Post-COVID-19 Study
Article
| Article Title | Domestic Food Handlers' Food Safety Risk Perception and Practices in Bangladesh: A Comparative Pre-and Post-COVID-19 Study |
|---|---|
| Article Category | Article |
| Authors | Ishra, Rakia, Sharif, Saif, Soar, Jeffrey and Khanam, Rasheda |
| Journal Title | Food and Humanity |
| Journal Citation | 5 |
| Article Number | 100857 |
| Number of Pages | 11 |
| Year | 2025 |
| Publisher | Elsevier |
| ISSN | 2949-8244 |
| Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foohum.2025.100857 |
| Web Address (URL) | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949824425003611 |
| Abstract | This study used a cross-sectional survey among 503 domestic food handlers to compare food safety attitudes (FSA), self-reported practices (SRP) before (pre) and after (post) the COVID-19 pandemic and assess their food safety risk perceptions in Bangladesh. The results showed notable improvements in attitudes toward cleaning and hygiene (91.7 %, p < 0.001), storage, and cooking (82.5 %, p < 0.001) post-pandemic, but not for cross-contamination (62.2 %, p = 1.0). Although handwashing improved post-pandemic, SRP levels for cross-contamination (38 %, p < 0.001) and safe storage/cooking (11.7 %, p < 0.001) remained poor. Most participants reported unsatisfactory overall food safety practices both in the pre- and post-pandemic periods. Interestingly, many respondents viewed their own food as low risk (58.7 %) but perceived restaurant food as riskier (98 %). Socio-demographic factors significantly impacted FSA, SRP, and risk perceptions throughout the study. These findings highlight the pandemic impact on domestic food safety and the necessity of targeted government initiatives and education to address enduring problems, particularly cross-contamination, to enhance food safety practices in Bangladesh. |
| Keywords | Food safety attitude; Food safety practice; Risk perception; Foodborne disease; Food handler; COVID-19; Bangladesh |
| Contains Sensitive Content | Does not contain sensitive content |
| ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 420699. Public health not elsewhere classified |
| Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
| Byline Affiliations | American International University, Bangladesh |
| University of Southern Queensland | |
| School of Business, Law, Humanities and Pathways - Business | |
| School of Business, Law, Humanities and Pathways |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/101229/domestic-food-handlers-food-safety-risk-perception-and-practices-in-bangladesh-a-comparative-pre-and-post-covid-19-study
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