CONSUMER FOOD SAFETY KNOWLEDGE IN THE HOMES OF RESIDENTS OF HO MUNICIPALITY, GHANA

Abstract

This study evaluated the safety knowledge of food prepared at home in the Ho municipality of Ghana. One hundred (100) respondents participated in the study by completing selfadministered questionnaires after being selected by a convenience sampling technique.
Results of the study showed that the majority (30%) of the respondents were mothers in the homes, while most (41%) were of high educational background up to tertiary level. There was adequate knowledge of the side effects of eating unhealthy foods (68.7%). Overall,
knowledge of food safety practices and risk awareness at home was sufficient (60.1%). Most of the respondents adhered to good hygiene practices during both food preparation and storage. Its theme environment represents an important hub for the spread of pathogens responsible
for foodborne diseases. Our findings scratch the surface of an important topic and the need to increase awareness about home consumer safety knowledge and practices. It is advised that a national survey should be conducted, followed by a properly designed food safety public health
campaign, to enhance household food safety awareness.