Food Safety Knowledge and Attitudes: A Cross-Sectional Study among Saudi Consumers from Food Trucks Owned by Productive Families

Latifah A. Alhashim, Najim Z. Alshahrani, Amal M. Alshahrani, Shamsun Nahar Khalil, Muneera A. Alrubayii, Sarah K. Alateeq and Ossama Mohammed Zakaria
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Latifah A. Alhashim: College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia
Najim Z. Alshahrani: Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
Amal M. Alshahrani: General Directorate of Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health, Riyadh 11176, Saudi Arabia
Shamsun Nahar Khalil: Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
Muneera A. Alrubayii: College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia
Sarah K. Alateeq: College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia
Ossama Mohammed Zakaria: Division of Surgical Paediatrics, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 7, 1-13

Abstract: Food businesses, such as food trucks (FTs) and family producers have grown rapidly and become popular with people in Saudi Arabia. As foodborne diseases are still a public health concern in the country, consumers should be aware of the safety of foods sold by food trucks. Since there is a dearth of literature, this study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of consumers of food from FTs owned by family producers regarding food safety and foodborne disease. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 921 consumers of food from FTs from two cities in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using an online questionnaire from September to November 2021. Finally, multiple linear regression and a logistic regression model were used to identify the predictors of knowledge and attitude regarding food safety and foodborne illness, respectively. Overall, respondents had moderate knowledge and higher positive attitudes regarding food safety and foodborne illness. Respondents’ knowledge about the potential harm and attitudes towards the safety of foods sold by FTs were significantly associated with marital status, education level, and monthly family income. The findings of this study highlight the need to improve the knowledge, awareness, and attitudes of Saudi consumers of food from FTs owned by family producers on food safety and foodborne illness through intervention programs, particularly targeting consumers with lower educational attainments and income status, to control foodborne diseases.

Keywords: food safety; foodborne diseases; food trucks; family producers; Saudi Arabia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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