Improving consumer safety and satisfaction at fast food outlets in Owerri metropolis, Nigeria

摘要

Food samples as well as structured questionnaires were employed in assessing potential consumer safety and satisfaction at fast food outlets in Owerri urban area, Nigeria. Survey data revealed that the extent to which consumers were satisfied with theservices and perceived safety of these fast food outlets were above average (P< 0.0001). This means that consumers do not perceive any health dangers with these fast food outlets. Nevertheless, our study revealed that the microbiological safety (consumer healthy conditions) of these fast food outlets is questionable. Aerobic mesophillic organisms, Coliform bacteria, and Escherichia coli were be present in some food samples whileSalmonella species and moulds were completely absent. The levels (13.2-392.93 cfu/g) of pathogenic organisms in the food samples exceeded the safety levels (0-lOcfu/g) specified by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the growth pattern of coliform bacteria was found to vary significantly (P< 0.001) between food samples. Some measures aimed at reducing the observed health hazards, and thereby improving the overall health conditions, associated with Fast Food outlets in Owerri, Nigeria were suggested.