Food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices among dairy wholesalers and retailers in Kandahar City, Afghanistan: a cross-sectional study

Food safety in Afghanistan is challenged by limited infrastructure, food insecurity, and the occurrence of pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli O157:H7, creating potential food safety hazards that lead to health complications. These challenges pose serious threats to public health, making it necessary to implement mandatory food safety training and certification programs to improve hygiene standards among dairy wholesalers and retailers in Kandahar City. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 250 dairy wholesalers and retailers from March to April of 2025. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a carefully designed, structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into four sections: sociodemographic information, knowledge of food safety, attitudes, and food safety practices. Our results showed that 92% of dairy wholesalers and retailers had a high level of food safety knowledge, and 93.6% agreed that proper cleaning of equipment reduces the risk of food contamination. However, fewer than 20% of the respondents were aware of infectious diseases. The study found a significant link between household income, holding a health certificate, and the level of food safety knowledge. We recommend the implementation of specialized training programs to improve personal and environmental hygiene and ensure better compliance with food safety regulations. Therefore, it is advisable to develop a comprehensive food safety policy within the One Health framework and foster collaborative efforts to raise awareness among all stakeholders involved in food safety.