Table 1 Socio-demographic characteristics of food handlers in food establishments of Mettu and Bedelle Towns, southwest Ethiopia, 2022 (n = 450)

 Male

207

46

 Female

243

54

  < =20 years

11

2.4

 21-30 years

240

53.3

 31-40 years

185

41.1

  > =40 years

14

3.1

 Unable to read and write

55

12.2

 Primary education

138

30.7

 Secondary education

191

42.4

 College Diploma

57

12.7

Degree and above

9

2

 Married

280

62.2

 Unmarried

136

30.2

 Divorced

17

3.8

 Widowed

17

3.8

  < 2 years

101

22.4

 2-4 years

181

40.2

 5-7 years

115

25.6

 8-10 years

39

8.7

  > 10 years

14

3.1

 Main chef/cook

165

36.7

 Assistant chef/cook

65

14.4

 Waiter

220

48.9