Preventive Measures against Food Poisoning In Fast Food Establishments in Kogi State, Nigeria

The study examined preventive measures against food poisoning in fast food establishments in Kogi State, Nigeria. Three objectives and three research questions guided the study. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. After a multistage sampling process, a combination of 450 food handlers and supervisors constituted the study’s sample, with 150 participants drawn from each of the 3 senatorial zones in the State. A structured questionnaire titled: Food Poisoning in Fast Food Establishments Questionnaire (FPFFEQ) was used for data collection. The questionnaire had its section B structured in three clusters to reflect the key areas captured in the research questions. The instrument was administered to the respondents using the face-to-face approach. The research instrument (FPFFEQ) was given to experts in Food and Nutrition, and dieticians from renowned institutions to validate. Similarly, the reliability coefficient of 0.829 was obtained. The data obtained was analyzed using simple frequencies and percentages with the aid of SPSS version 26.0. Findings revealed that, basic hygiene measures were highly practiced, while management-related measures like medical check-up and alternative power supply were lowly practiced. Similarly, major challenges towards the implementation of the preventive measures were infrastructural and economic issues. The study recommended that, the Kogi State Government, in collaboration with AEDC and rural water supply agencies, should prioritize fast food clusters for improved electricity and pipe-borne water. Also, Proprietors and managers of fast-food establishments should partner with Kogi State Ministry of Health and NAFDAC to conduct quarterly training and mandatory bi-annual medical screening for all food handlers.

Keywords: Causes, Preventive Measures, Food Poisoning, Fast Food Establishments, Challenges.