Regulatory awareness and hygiene behaviors among food couriers in Lusaka, Zambia: implications for food safety compliance

Abstract

Unsafe food handling continues to threaten public health worldwide, with African countries facing particular challenges due to limited enforcement and infrastructure. This study investigated regulatory awareness and hygiene behaviors among food courier bikers in Lusaka, Zambia, and their implications for food safety compliance. We conducted a district-wide survey of 196 food couriers in Lusaka, using a structured questionnaire to assess their awareness, attitudes, and hygiene practices. Results revealed a predominantly young workforce (mean age 28.4 years) with moderate education but limited training (13.8%) and certification (9.7%). Overall, their knowledge, attitudes, and hygiene practices scored poorly. Attitudes emerged as a stronger driver of safe behavior (r = 0.51) than knowledge (r = 0.42), underscoring the importance of shaping perceptions alongside training. Regression models explained 32% of variance in knowledge and 41% in behavior, though individual predictors did not reach statistical significance. These findings suggest that voluntary training and demographic factors alone may not adequately ensure compliance, highlighting the need for structural interventions. Structural barriers such as weak enforcement, lack of equipment, and prioritization of speed over safety further undermine safe practices. We recommend mandatory certification, competency-based training, and stricter oversight to align Zambia’s courier sector with international food safety standards. Addressing these gaps is critical to safeguarding public health in the rapidly expanding online food delivery sector.