An Investigation into Food Safety Culture and Producers’ Knowledge within the Vegetable Supply Chain

Food safety is increasingly recognized as a crucial determinant of food safety effectiveness, especially in agricultural food systems in developing countries, where production is often fragmented and practices inconsistent. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of farmers or those working in vegetable supply chain professions in Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, and Hanoi A total of 300 respondents were surveyed and categorized into four age groups (19–34, 35–49, 50–59, and 60–70) to facilitate comparative analysis. The results showed that in the age group over 50, The results indicate that respondents aged over 50 demonstrated a higher level of knowledge, with 79% providing correct responses, suggesting that accumulated practical experience plays a significant role in enhancing food safety awareness and understanding. In contrast, respondents under the age of 49 exhibited a lower correct response rate of 56%, which may be attributed to limited hands-on experience or reliance primarily on indirect sources of information, such as public communication campaigns. These findings underscore the critical role of food safety management systems, particularly in terms of knowledge in improving compliance with safe agricultural practices. Effective management not only ensures hazard control throughout the production process but also strengthens the capacity of producers to apply food safety principles in real-world contexts. This study provides practical implications by emphasizing the need to design targeted interventions, such as age-specific training programs and knowledge transfer initiatives. Such strategies are essential for enhancing the sustainability and overall effectiveness of food safety practices within the fruit and vegetable supply chain in Vietnam.