Food Safety Practices in Households: Insights from the ZimLAC 2024 Rural and Urban Livelihoods Assessments

Food safety is a critical issue highlighted in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which underscores the importance of secure food supply chains as a cornerstone for enhancing public health and economic growth. This strategy resonates with the findings from the ZimLAC 2024 Rural and Urban Livelihoods Assessments, revealing both commendable efforts and areas needing improvement in food safety practices across households. Understanding how food safety intertwines with national development helps us appreciate its broader significance.

Cooking and Food Safety Measures

One of the most encouraging findings is that 73% of rural households reported cooking food thoroughly as a primary method to ensure food safety. This practice not only aligns with the WHO’s emphasis on thorough cooking to eliminate harmful bacteria, but also supports the NDS1’s objective of improving health outcomes. By prioritising safe cooking methods, households contribute to reducing the incidence of foodborne diseases, which can impede workforce productivity and economic stability.

However, a concerning trend has emerged: in both urban and rural settings; A significant proportion of households were not reading food labels. Specifically, 42% of urban households and 28% of rural households reported that they do not read the information on food packages before making purchases. Not reading food labels can lead to unintentional purchases of expired or spoiled food, posing significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children under five years. The NDS1 highlights the necessity of education and awareness in promoting food safety, pointing to a critical area for intervention that can yield substantial public health benefits.

Purchasing Trends and Risks

The urban assessment revealed that 19% of households unknowingly purchased spoiled or expired food, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. This situation is particularly concerning for children and other vulnerable groups. Despite the evident risks, many households continued to purchase food from vendors, with 36% of urban households buying fish, 27% buying chicken and 21% purchasing beef, goat or pork from street vendors. If these products are not stored or prepared properly, they can become sources of foodborne illnesses. This scenario is a clear indication of the need for improved safety standards, a key focus of the NDS1. By establishing stringent food safety guidelines, regulations, consistent enforcement and encouraging safe purchasing practices, we can create a healthier food environment that bolsters community resilience.

Keeping Food Safe

To ensure food safety, it is crucial for households to focus on keeping food at safe temperatures. The ZimLAC 2024 Livelihoods Assessment revealed that 46% of urban households were aware of this critical practice, while only 31% of rural households recognised its importance. Proper temperature control is essential for preventing the growth of harmful bacteria in food. Households should refrigerate perishables promptly and ensure that cooked foods remain hot or are refrigerated quickly. This practice not only aligns with food safety guidelines but also supports the NDS1’s broader goals of reducing healthcare costs associated with foodborne illnesses, ultimately enhancing economic productivity.

Another vital aspect of food safety is the use of safe water and raw materials in meal preparation. Awareness of this key was relatively low, with only 21% of urban households and 22% of rural households recognising its significance. Unsafe water and contaminated raw materials can lead to serious foodborne illnesses. It is therefore imperative for households to prioritise the quality of the water and ingredients they use when preparing meals. The NDS1’s emphasis on improving access to safe water and quality food directly addresses this issue, linking public health to economic stability and growth.

Awareness and Information

The findings indicated a gap in the dissemination of food safety information. In rural areas, only 13% of households reported to have received information on food safety at the time of the 2024 assessment, a figure consistent with the previous year. In urban areas, the proportion was slightly higher at 14%. This insight on low food safety education highlights the urgent need for more robust outreach and resources to educate households on safe food handling practices. The NDS1 calls for increased public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to improve food safety knowledge among households, recognising that informed citizens are essential for achieving national health and economic goals.

Conclusion

While many households are taking proactive steps to ensure food safety by cooking thoroughly and keeping food clean, there remains a critical need for increased awareness and education regarding food labels and safe purchasing practices. The WHO’s Five Keys to Safer Food provide a framework that can empower households to make safer food choices, ultimately protecting their health and well-being.

As we move forward, it is essential for a multisectoral approach in improving food safety education and accessibility. This collaborative effort aligns seamlessly with the objectives outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which advocates for strengthening food safety measures to enhance public health outcomes and economic resilience. By addressing gaps in education and promoting the WHO’s guidelines, we can create a robust food safety culture that not only safeguards our communities but also propels us towards the NDS1’s vision of sustainable economic growth and improved health for all. In doing so, we will ensure that food safety becomes a foundational element of our national development journey.