Knowledge and awareness about food safety, foodborne diseases, and microbial hazards: A cross-sectional study among Bangladeshi consumers of street-vended foods

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Maintaining quality and safety of street-vended foods (SVFs) is a challenge and a public health priority in low-and middle-income countries due to its affordability, availability and association with foodborne diseases and microbial hazards. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of food safety, foodborne diseases, and microbial hazards among Bangladeshi consumers of SVFs. A cross-sectional survey was administered among 650 Bangladeshi adults who purchase and consume SVFs. The mean food safety knowledge score of consumers was 10.73 (SD = 2.84, range: 3–18), indicating moderate knowledge. Multiple linear regression analysis found that male consumers (B = - 0.549, p < 0.030), consumers with ‘no formal education’ (B = −1.815, p < 0.045), and consumers with ‘secondary education’ (B = −1.476, p < 0.016) were less knowledgeable about food safety compared to their counterparts. Older consumers (36–45 years) were more knowledgeable about food safety compared to younger consumers (18–25 years) (B = 1.300, p < 0.011). Three-quarters of the respondents (76.9%) were not always confident about food safety issues when they bought SVFs, and affordability was the main reason (37.8%) for purchasing SVFs. Increased education and awareness on food safety education for Bangladeshi consumers of SVFs is needed, specifically targeting young adult males, and individuals with lower educational backgrounds. • Overall, food safety knowledge (FSK) of street food consumers was moderate. • Being a male and aged 18–25 years were associated with lower FSK. • Having lower educational attainment was a risk factor of low FSK. • Street food consumers had lower knowledge and awareness about microbial hazards. • Affordability was the main reason for purchasing street-vended foods.