Structural equation modeling of home food safety practice based on the PRECEDE model

Practical applications This cross-sectional study is the first attempt to design predictive model of home food safety practice by structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. The most important factors in the final model were demographic status (t = 1.99, gamma = 0.99) and reinforcing factors (t = 3.30, gamma = 0.29), while enabling factors (t = -2.07, gamma = -0.10) and demographic status (t = -4.03, gamma = -0.13) had reverse effect on food insecurity (FI). FI itself had negative effect on food safety practice (t = -2.21, gamma = -0.16). The fit indices indicated that the model had good fitting (root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.036, goodness of fit index [GFI] = 0.94, and adjusted goodness of fit index [AGFI] = 0.92). FI and undesirable food practice were relatively prevalent among the households of Tehran. This model provides accurate and reliable information for policy makers to improve food safety status and reduce foodborne disease in Iranian households.