The association between factors which affect the food safety practices of seafood distributors within the southern domestic distribution chains in Vietnam

Highlights - Qualitative research was undertaken to inform the development of the questionnaire. - 180 seafood distributorscompleted the questionnaire during face-to-face meeting. - Poor knowledge of food safetyamong distributorscontributes unhygienic practices. - Consumers were the significant factor that could affect the food safetypractices. Abstract In order to improve the safety of seafood in domestic distribution chains in Vietnam, a better understanding of factors affecting the practices of seafood distributorsis necessary. The objective of this research was to identify the factors affecting the food safetypractices among distributorsin three major sites. A mixed methods design including qualitative and quantitative methods was used. Questionnaires were completed by 180 workers at various points of the seafood distribution chain. The survey revealed poor knowledge of food safetyand hygiene amongst distributorsand ineffective use of food safetymanagement practices throughout the domestic seafood distribution chains. There was generally a low level of compliance with food safetyregulations. One potentially positive outcome is that seafood distributorsare concerned about critical feedbacks and complaints from consumers. Therefore, improving consumer knowledge may have a positive impact on food safetypractices in the domestic seafood distribution chains.