International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VIII, Issue IV, April 2021 | ISSN 2321–2705

Identification of Food Safety Practices among Street Food Vendors in Delta State Nigeria

Theophilus Miebi GBIGBI^1*, Gloria Ekemena OKONKWO², Victor Azuka CHUKS-OKONTA^1
1Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Delta State University Asaba Campus, Asaba, Nigeria
²Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku
*Corresponding Author

Abstract:-The research looked into how street food sellers handled food. The method used was a multistage selection technique. An aggregate of 155 vendors were chosen at random for the survey, and data were composed with designed questionnaire. The study’s analytical instruments were descriptive statistics, likert scales and chi-square. High proportion of merchants were females, with an average age of 38 years. The respondents’ educational levels revealed that 67.6% had only primary education with mean vending experience of 6 years. The food vendors had an awareness index of 80.2% with 64% usage index of recommended food practices. Washing food before cooking, covering food, storage in a hotspot, utensil cleanliness, a hot meal, well-cooked food, wash-kits with hygienic water, and reheating food were the frequently utilized methods. There was positive correlation between awareness and utilization of practices. It has become necessary that vendors are cognizant of all procedures necessary to maintain the safety and suitability of food.

Keywords: Food safety practices, Street vendors, Awareness, Utilization

I. INTRODUCTION

Food is an essential requirement for life; its acquisition, preparation, and consumption are all essential for survival. Food is described as any substance that can be eaten to provide nutrients and energy for growth and development. Food has a direct impact on one’s wellbeing, so it’s important to keep it free of contamination (Daniyan and Nwokwu, 2011). Food sellers play a critical role in ensuring adequate processing and storing of food (Abdalla, et al.,2009). As such, food security necessitates food protection (WHO, 2015). Unsafe food can contain more than 200 diseases ranging from diarrhea to cancer (WHO, 2015).The secret to wholesome life and necessitates food protection (WHO, 2015). Unsafe food can contain more than 200 diseases ranging from diarrhea to cancer (WHO, 2015).The secret to wholesome life and access to healthy food. Without food protection, there is no food security(FAO 2019).A street food merchant is a person who sells ready-to-eat