Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding food hygiene and safety among stakeholders in the street fruits and vegetables chains in Benin, West Africa

Street foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, play a crucial role in human nutrition. However, their handling conditions, from farm to plate, are often inadequate, posing health risks to consumers. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to hygiene and food safety among stakeholders in the fruits and vegetables supply chains in Benin. A survey was conducted with 754 stakeholders, including producers ( n = 100), wholesalers-retailers ( n = 111), processors ( n = 106), and consumers ( n = 437). KAP scores were categorized as poor (≤50 %), average (50–75 %), and good (≥75 %). Binary logistic regression was applied to evaluate the sociodemographic factors associated with stakeholders’ KAP, while Spearman correlations were used to assess relationships among these variables. The results revealed that all stakeholder groups demonstrated average levels of knowledge and attitudes but poor hygiene practices. Gender and education level improved knowledge among processors (p = 0.04) and consumers (p = 0.00), while age positively influenced the knowledge of wholesalers-retailers (p = 0.04). Primary education enhanced attitudes among producers (p = 0.02) and processors (p = 0.00), and secondary education improved attitudes among wholesalers-retailers (p = 0.03). For processors, primary and secondary education levels were associated with better hygiene practices (p ≤ 0.02). A significant correlation between knowledge and attitudes was observed among producers (rs = 0.42; p = 0.00), wholesalers-retailers (rs = 0.33; p = 0.00), processors (rs = 0.29; p = 0.00), and consumers (rs = 0.30; p = 0.00). These results highlight the need for tailored intervention strategies that consider the unique characteristics and challenges of each stakeholder group. Addressing this variability through targeted capacity-building initiatives and evidence-based awareness programs is crucial to fostering optimal hygienic practices and minimizing contamination risks across the supply chain. • Street-vended fruits and vegetables pose food safety risks due to poor handling practices. • Average knowledge but poor hygiene practices found among all stakeholder groups. • Education level significantly influenced food safety attitudes and practices. • No correlation between knowledge and actual hygiene practices observed. • Tailored training needed to improve food safety in street food chains.