Another look into the Knowledge Attitude Practice (KAP) model for food control: An investigation of the mediating role of food handlers’ attitudes

Abstract

Building on the knowledge, attitude and practice model, this study investigated the role of food handlers in adherence to hygienic-sanitary standards for food safety. Specifically, using data gathered from food handlers in restaurants, hotels, and hospitals in Nigeria, the study examined the effect of food handlers' safety knowledge on their hygienic-sanitary practices of personal hygiene, kitchen hygiene and disease control measures. We also observed the mediating role of food handlers' attitudes in the causal relationship between food safety knowledge and the hygienic-sanitary practices of food handlers. Empirical findings supported the hypothesized assumption that food safety knowledge positively impacts food handler's attitudes (β = .395, p < 0.001) and attitudes in turn significantly contribute to the adherence to hygienic-sanitary conditions for food safety. Further, other than the indirect effect of the handler's attitude on food safety knowledge and personal hygiene, food handlers' attitude partially mediates the effect of knowledge on kitchen hygiene and disease control measure. Implications for managers, government and academicians are also discussed.