ASSESSMENT OF PRACTICE OF FOOD HYIEGENE AMONG FOODHANDLERS IN BOARDING SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NORTHWESTZONE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assessed the practice of food hygiene among food handlers in boarding secondary schools in the
Northwest Zone of Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was employed, targeting a population of 1,112
food handlers, from which a sample of 470 was drawn using a multistage sampling technique across four states.
Data were collected through a structured questionnaire based on a modified four-point Likert scale, and the
reliability of the instrument was confirmed through a pilot study, yielding a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.88. Descriptive
statistics, including means and standard deviations, were used to answer the research question, while a one-sample
t-test at 0.05 significance level was used to test the hypothesis. Findings revealed that while certain practices such
as storing uncooked foods in clean, dry environments, washing cooking utensils, and covering food were
moderately observed, many essential hygiene practices, including consistent handwashing, cleaning and sanitizing
the cooking environment, using protective clothing, pest control, and periodic medical check-ups, were
inadequately practiced. The grand mean score of 2.34, below the criterion mean of 2.50, indicated generally poor
compliance with recommended food hygiene practices. The one-sample t-test confirmed that the overall practice
of food hygiene among food handlers was not statistically significant (tCal. = 0.681; p = 0.678 > 0.05). These
findings underscore the urgent need for structured training, regular supervision, and strict enforcement of food
safety protocols in boarding schools to mitigate risks of foodborne illnesses among students. The study concludes
that improving food hygiene practices among school food handlers is a critical public health imperative.