TITLE:
Self-Reported Food Poisoning Potentially Associated with Chemical Pesticide Residues in Fruits and Vegetables: Evidence from Major Urban Areas of Cameroon
AUTHORS:
Kaldjob Mbeh Christian Bernard, Enangue Njembele Annick Niquaise
KEYWORDS:
Pesticides Residues, Food Consumed, Humans’ Health, Cameroon, Probit Regression
JOURNAL NAME:
Food and Nutrition Sciences,
Vol.17 No.11,
November
10,
2026
ABSTRACT: The widespread use of pesticides in African agriculture raises concerns about pesticide residues in food and their potential effects on consumer health. This study examines the socioeconomic, behavioral, and health-seeking factors of self-reported food poisoning among urban consumers of fresh fruits and vegetables in three major cities of Cameroon. Using a retrospective cross-sectional design, 700 consumers were surveyed between March and July 2025. Health problems related to food poisoning and socio-demographic data are the main informations collected during the interview. The results show that 269 consumers (38% of respondents) have reported suffering at least one food poisoning as a result of consuming potentially contaminated fruits or vegetables. The MCA indicated that respondents who claimed to have suffered from food poisoning were more frequently younger than 35 (18 - 30 yrs.), with a relatively modest income level (less than 100 - 150 k/month). They do not make regular medical visits, they consume an average of 300g of fruit and vegetables per day and generally have no idea about the origin of the food they eat. Probit estimates showed that absence of regular medical consultation increased the predicted probability of reported poisoning by 0.27, while lack of knowledge of food origin increased it by approximately 0.10. Among respondents reporting poisoning, traditional medicine and self-medication were associated with approximately 0.18 and 0.21 higher probabilities of recurrent poisoning, respectively, compared with conventional medical treatment. These findings identify socioeconomic, behavioral, and food-traceability factors associated with reported food poisoning. Because pesticide exposure and clinical diagnoses were not independently confirmed, the findings indicate associations rather than causality. Strengthening pesticide-residue surveillance, food traceability, consumer awareness, and access to appropriate healthcare could improve food safety in Cameroon.