Food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices among food handlers employed in higher education institutions in Northwestern China

Rigorous compliance with food hygienic rules is essential to guarantee food safety and prevent foodborne diseases. This study was aimed to evaluate of food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices among handlers employed in college canteen in Northwestern China. A cross-sectional study based on cultural structured self-report questionnaire and convenient sampling was conducted in 12 cities or districts from May 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024. Chi-square test, T-test, Linear regression analysis and Logistic regression were conducted. Realization of data analysis was based on IBM SPSS Statistics 25. 479 valid questionnaires were collected. The majority of food handlers were female (70.56%), under 50 years old (91.65%), and with health card (95.82%). The mean score of knowledge, attitude and practice among all surveyed individuals were 10.05 ± 2.182 (full grade = 15), 45.23 ± 5.133 (full grade = 50) and 48.18 ± 3.612 (full grade = 50) respectively. There was a positive correlation among knowledge, attitude and practice. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that female (OR = 2.586, 95%CI: 1.598-4.189), low knowledge score (OR = 0.509, 95%CI: 0.314-0.825) and low attitude score (OR = 0.225, 95%CI: 0.143-0.354) was significantly related to higher practice score. All surveyed individuals had an inclination to study food safety knowledge, with professional training being the most favored approach, followed by lectures, new media platforms, on-site supervision and peer instruction. The surveyed Food handlers demonstrated sufficient knowledge, but inferior when compared to attitudes and practices related to food safety. Food safety health education focusing on regulations and operational details should be implemented base on multiple approaches to deepen employe's awareness and prevent foodborne diseases.