Food Safety Knowledge among Women in Selected Areas in Khartoum City

Food safety, an increasingly important public health issue refers to the conditions and practices that preserve the quality of food to prevent contamination microbes or toxic chemicals resulting in food borne illness. The aim of the present study was to examine knowledge attitude related to food safety among women responsible for purchasing and preparing food at the home level.209 women were randomly selected from households from three areas in Khartoum city [Imtidad Naser, Manshia and Giraffe Garp]. Age significantly correlated with the confidence in the safety of poultry, milk and dairy products, while educational level with that of meat, milk and dairy products. It also significantly influenced the purchasing behavior of meat and poultry while educational level that of meat. Age also correlated significantly with the knowledge of some common food borne diseases, food thawing and labeling while educational level with that of food labeling and food borne illness caused by salmonella. Women education on food safety at the home level is advisable.