Assessment of Food Safety Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Fresh Market Vendors and Consumers in Dhaka City, Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Aims: Food safety is a major public health concern in Bangladesh, particularly in urban areas where fresh markets are the primary source of food. The objective of the study was to examine food safety Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) among fresh market vendors and consumers in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from 406 respondents (205 vendors and 201 consumers) from 2 fresh markets in Dhaka city in 2022. Data were collected using a pretested interview-based questionnaire, and composite KAP scores were calculated. Results: The study found that vendors had inadequate food safety knowledge, a mean score of 12.4 ± 2.6 (77.4% correct responses), and a good level of attitude, 9.7 ± 1.5 (88% correct responses). However, food safety practices were inadequate (5.2 ± 1.1; 57.5% correct responses). Overall, the KAP score was inadequate (27.2 ± 4.0; 75.7% correct response) and positively associated with education and prior food safety knowledge. On the contrary, consumers demonstrated good knowledge (13.5 ± 1.9; 84% correct responses). Consumers' knowledge was also significantly associated with their educational status. Vendors' and consumers' risk perception and risk management were significantly associated with food safety knowledge. About 25.9% of the vendors and 41.8% of the consumers believed that the fresh markets were not regularly inspected. Both vendors (42.9%) and consumers (86.6%) emphasized the importance of regular inspections in the markets. Conclusion: The findings indicate critical gaps between knowledge, attitude, and actual practices of food safety among vendors, alongside limited trust in market inspection systems. Strengthening food safety requires routine inspections, targeted vendor training, consumer awareness campaigns, and coordinated efforts among authorities and communities.