This chapter critically reviews existing literature on pesticide use, food safety, and public perception, particularly in the Nigerian context. It synthesises theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence on the relationship between pesticide practices, food safety risk, and public perception. The review adopts a critical and comparative approach, which integrates studies from Nigeria and other low- and middle-income countries to situate local evidence within broader global food safety debates. Further, it identifies key gaps that justify the present study and provides a critical review, which encompasses (a) conceptual foundations of food safety (b) patterns and impacts of pesticide use (c) human and environmental risk implications (d) public perception of pesticide-related food safety (e) theoretical frameworks explaining risk perception (f) consumer behaviour and trust (g) regulatory oversight, and (h) empirical evidence linking these dimensions.

In addition, the chapter critically examines the methodological approaches employed in existing studies, thus, highlighting limitations related to study design, geographical coverage, and stakeholder representation. This critical appraisal provides a basis for justifying the mixed-methods approach adopted in the present research. The chapter concludes by synthesising the reviewed literature to identify unresolved conceptual and empirical gaps, particularly the limited integration of consumer perceptions with production-level practices and regulatory contexts in Nigeria. These gaps form the basis for developing conceptual framework for the study. They also guide the formulation of research objectives and questions presented in subsequent chapters.

2.2 Conceptualising Food Safety

Food safety refers to the conditions, practices, and institutional arrangements necessary to ensure that food does not pose harm to consumers when prepared and consumed according to its intended use (Olatilewa et al, 2024). It encompasses the identification, assessment, and management of hazards that may arise at any stage of the food supply chain (that is, from primary production through processing, distribution, marketing, and final consumption). These hazards are commonly categorised into biological, chemical, and physical risks (Abubakar et al, 2024).

While biological hazards such as pathogens have traditionally dominated food safety discourse, chemical hazards (particularly pesticide residues) have gained increasing attention in recent decades, especially within developing countries.

In agricultural contexts, food safety is closely linked to production practices, including the use of agrochemicals, irrigation methods, harvesting techniques, storage conditions, and transportation systems (Afolayan & Bankole, 2023). In many low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, the intensification of agriculture to meet rising food demand has been accompanied by increased reliance on pesticides, often without adequate regulatory oversight or residue monitoring infrastructure. This imbalance has elevated the risk of chemical contamination in food products, positioning pesticide residues as a critical food safety concern (Sulaiman & Abubakar, 2025).

Conceptually, food safety extends beyond a purely technical or scientific construct. While international organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasise standards, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance, food safety in practice is also shaped by social, cultural, economic, and institutional factors (Adebayo & Adeoye, 2023). In many societies, particularly in informal food systems, food safety is negotiated through everyday practices, local knowledge, and trust relationships rather than formal certification or scientific testing (Olatilewa et al, 2024). As such, food safety must be understood as both a scientific condition and a socially constructed phenomenon.

Consumer perceptions play a central role in this broader conceptualisation. Individuals interpret food safety risks based not only on objective information but also on personal experiences, cultural beliefs, media narratives, and trust in food system actors (Onwudiegwu et al, 2025). In contexts where regulatory institutions are perceived as weak or ineffective, consumers may view food as unsafe regardless of actual contamination levels. On the other hand, foods perceived as “local,” “fresh,” or “natural” may be trusted despite potential exposure to pesticide residues (Siegrist & Zingg, 2021). This divergence between scientifically assessed risk and perceived risk underscores the importance of incorporating perception into food safety analysis.

Risk communication further mediates how food safety is understood and acted upon (Slovic, 2021). How information about pesticide use, contamination incidents, and regulatory actions is framed can influence public trust, risk avoidance behaviour, and acceptance of policy interventions. Inadequate or inconsistent communication may heighten fear and misinformation, while transparent and credible messaging can enhance consumer confidence and encourage safer food handling and purchasing practices (Ejimerhomu et al, 2025).

From a systems perspective, food safety is therefore best conceptualised as an integrated outcome of agricultural practices, regulatory governance, market structures, and public perception (Gbadegesin et al, 2025). In Nigeria, where food systems are characterised by a large informal sector, limited enforcement capacity, and socio-economic constraints, food safety challenges are particularly complex. Understanding food safety in this context therefore requires moving beyond laboratory-based assessments of contamination to include how risks are perceived, communicated, and managed by consumers and other stakeholders.