A GENDERED APPRAISAL OF FOOD SAFETY KNOWLEDGE AMONG VENDORS, EDUCATORS AND LEARNERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF JOS NORTH LGA, PLATEAU STATE

Abstract

This study examined the knowledge of food safety practices among food vendors in secondary schools in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State and explored gender differences in students’ perceptions of food quality. Data were collected from 30 food vendors and 30 students using structured questionnaires and analyzed quantitatively. Results revealed that food vendors had a moderate level of knowledge overall, with high awareness in areas such as freshness, taste, and texture. However, shelf life management was identified as a significant weakness, posing potential food safety risks. Furthermore, a statistically significant difference was found between male and female students’ perceptions of food quality, with females rating the quality more positively. The findings highlight the need for enhanced training, improved infrastructure, and gender-sensitive approaches in food safety interventions within school settings. The study suggests that addressing these gaps can contribute to safer and higher-quality food for secondary school students.