Food safety and fresh food consumption: A value chain perspective from Uganda

Abstract

Background : Food safety incidents associated with consumption of contaminated fresh fruits and vegetables (FV) remain a global health hazard. In Africa, food safety incidents currently account for the highest mortality rates when compared to other world regions. Promoting adoption of food safety practices (FSPs) among value chain actors may increase FV consumption while minimizing food safety incidents. Yet, quantitative research testing this hypothesis remains scanty in Africa. Methods : To address this gap, we used regression models and cross-sectional data from 1569 respondents—consumers (buyers), traders (sellers), and farmers (producers)—in Uganda, as a case study. Results : We find that adoption of multiple FSP and the use of low-risk pesticides are positively associated with FV consumption (dietary diversity). Conclusions : Our findings emphasize that promoting FSP is associated with improved food safety and dietary diversification. Conceptually, we add to the existing literature on measuring food safety by developing a new simple approach: the Food Safety Score.