Halimat Ajoke BADRU

The study examined the use of food safety information practices among garri consumers in University of Benin communities, Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it described the socio-economic characteristics of garri consumers, determined their level of awareness and sources of garri food safety information available and accessible, assessed the utilization of garri food safety practices, identified constraints inhibiting the use of garri food safety information, and examined the relationship between awareness, socio-economic characteristics, and the use of garri food safety information practices. A structured questionnaire was administered to 120 respondents, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, linear regression, and logistic regression. Findings revealed that nearly all the respondents (97.5%) were below 30 years, predominantly female (75%), unmarried (95.8%), and literate, with most being students (83.3%). The study showed a high level of awareness of general food safety issues such as knowledge of food spoilage, illnesses and hygiene but a low level of awareness of storage-related practices. Social media (90.8%) and television (74.2%) were the most common sources of food safety information, while extension agents, flyers/posters, food vendor/producer and health workers played minimal roles. Consumers showed high utilization of information from peers and social media but limited utilization of technical practices such as re-roasting and sieving. Regression results indicated a positive and significant relationship between awareness and utilization of food safety practices (p < 0.001), though awareness accounted for only 11.1% of the variation in utilization. Among socio-economic
characteristics, only the volume of garri purchased significantly influenced the use of food safety information (p < 0.05). The study concludes that while garri consumers in the study area are aware of food safety issues, awareness alone does not guarantee consistent safe practices. It
recommends that government agencies, universities, and health educators intensify targeted food safety campaigns, promote credible information sources, and strengthen enforcement of hygiene standards among garri sellers to ensure consumer safety and public health.