Background

Food safety significantly influences the global burden of disease, particularly in rapidly urbanising regions. In low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria, there is limited understanding of how consumer concerns about food safety shape eating habits and dietary choices. This review aimed to synthesise evidence on food safety perceptions and how it influences consumer behaviour in Nigeria. The study examined existing research on Nigerian consumers’ perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours regarding food safety, providing insights into knowledge gaps and areas requiring future investigation.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The PECO model guided the development of a comprehensive search strategy, initially applied to PubMed and adapted for other databases. Keywords relevant to food safety, consumer behaviour, and Nigeria were used. Reference lists of relevant studies were also screened. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed research that addressed consumer perceptions or behaviours related to food safety.

Results

Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Research was concentrated in urban areas, particularly the southwestern region, with prepared and ready-to-eat foods being the most studied. Most studies relied on single-method data collection, primarily structured surveys. Findings indicated that although participants generally had good knowledge of food safety, self-reported practices were often inadequate and in most cases absent or underreported. Methodological limitations, including lack of validated instruments and overreliance on self-reporting, were identified across several studies.

Conclusion

Future research should prioritise fresh produce and traditional markets, incorporate observational and qualitative approaches, and explore the cultural, social, and contextual factors influencing food safety behaviours. Understanding consumers’ motivations, perceptions, and values in specific cultural contexts will be critical to developing effective interventions to improve food safety practices in Nigeria.

Nigeria, Food Safety, Consumers, Foodborne Disease, Perceptions, Practices

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