Analysis of the Food Safety Knowledge Gaps and Risk Behaviours Among Street Food Vendors in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory: Implications for Regulatory Policy

Street food vending in Abuja's fast-growing urban economy plays a critical role in feeding the city's working population. However, food safety knowledge gaps and risky handling behaviours among vendors pose ongoing public health threats that current regulatory frameworks have insufficiently addressed. This study analysed food safety knowledge gaps and risk behaviours among street food vendors in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, and examined implications for regulatory policy. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining structured questionnaires administered to 250 vendors across five area councils with focus group discussions involving 40 purposively selected participants. NAFDAC and local government health records were reviewed to triangulate regulatory activity data. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and thematic analysis. Results identified significant gaps in knowledge of safe holding temperatures, cross-contamination prevention, and personal hygiene protocols. Risk behaviours were prevalent across all vendor categories, including handling money and food simultaneously, cooking with untreated water, and vending without health certificates. Regulatory inspections were infrequent and inconsistently enforced. Vendors expressed willingness to undergo training if made accessible and affordable. The study recommends a comprehensive vendor registration system linked to mandatory food safety training, zoning of certified vending areas, and increased local government health inspection capacity in Abuja. Keywords: street food vendors, food safety knowledge, Abuja, regulatory policy, hygiene behaviour