Risk factors associated with retail meat vendors in Lubumbashi, the Democratic Republic of Congo

Food safety risk factors associated with retail meat sales in Lubumbashi, Congo D.R., was assessed in 2013. The study involved 168 meat vendors. The methods used were an interview and direct observation. Females represented 55.9%, and males represented 44% of the study respondents. Their age ranged from 18 to 40 years (92.8%). Sixty percent had obtained a primary level of education, 38% a secondary level, and only 1.1% completed the university level of education. Sixty-nine percent had fixed activities, and 30.9% were mobiles. None had a training certificate in food safety or hygiene practices. Overall, the poor level of knowledge/attitude and practices was associated with low level of education and the age of the vendors (<40 years) (p<0.05). Gender did not play a role (p>0.05). Attitude, practices, and lack of food safety knowledge in meat handling, improper slaughtering processes, poor environmental and personal hygiene, inadequate storage of food and lack of potable water were identified as major risk factors which may contribute to various contamination of meat sold at retail outlets in Lubumbashi.