Awareness of Food Hygiene Practices and Practices among Street Food Vendors in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
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Date
2019
Authors
Yusuf, Tabitha
Chege, Peter
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Health Sciences and Research
Abstract
Background: Street vended foods are booming businesses in developed and developing countries as
most people opt for street foods. This is mainly due to cost and convenience. Food handling practices
have been associated with food safety. Where food safety is compromised, food borne illnesses are
likely to occur.
Objective: This study sought to investigate the level of awareness on hygiene and the respective food
handling practices among street food vendors in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
Materials and methods: This study used a cross-sectional descriptive survey with a target population
of 410 food vendors in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Data was collected using questionnaires. Correlation
between food vendors‟ level of awareness and hygiene practices was done using chi-square.
Results: Results show that majority of vendors (42.1%) were in the middle age group between 26 to
35 years. The female vendors were more than their male counterparts. Majority of vendors were
married (53.4%) and were secondary graduates (56.7%). Majority (42.4%) had been in business for1-
5 years. About 70% of the vendors engaged in business to earn income. Only 29.7% persons admitted
to having had training on food handling and hygiene. Half of the vendors (50.9%) had license for
operation.
Conclusion: The study concludes that few vendors are aware of hygienic practices mainly due to lack
of training. For they that were aware, few practiced. The level of awareness on hygienic practices
correlates with the practices adopted by the vendors. This study recommended that vendors be trained
on environmental, food and personal hygiene.
Description
Article
Keywords
Awareness, food hygiene practices, street food vendors
Citation
Yusuf TA, Chege PM. Awareness of food hygiene practices and practices among street food vendors in Nasarawa state, Nigeria. Int J Health Sci Res. 2019; 9(7):227-233.