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

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