Food Vendors Research Articles

A Support System for Street Food Vending: Utilizing Urban Geoinformatics to Facilitate the Relocation of Food Stalls in Bangkok

A Support System for Street Food Vending: Utilizing Urban Geoinformatics to Facilitate the Relocation of Food Stalls in Bangkok

Street Venders' Food Safety Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices and Consumers' Preference About Street Food Marketing in Chennai City

Purpose-The purpose of a study on "Street Vendors' Food Safety Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices and Consumers' Preference About Street Food Marketing" typically revolves around several key objectives.The study would typically aim to inform public health efforts, regulatory policies, and the support structures needed for street vendors to improve food safety while meeting consumer demand. Design/methodology/approach-This study adopts a descriptive cross-sectional design to gather information on the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices of street vendors related to food safety. It also examines consumer preferences regarding street food marketing and their perceptions of food safety.This study adopts a descriptive cross-sectional design to gather information on the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices of street vendors related to food safety.A sample of approximately 150 street vendors and 150 consumers will be targeted for this study, providing a representative overview of the practices and preferences in Chennai’s Street food sector. Findings-Food Safety Knowledge Gaps: Many street vendors in Chennai have limited formal knowledge about food safety, with gaps in understanding key areas such as personal hygiene, food handling, and the risks of cross-contamination.Inconsistent Attitudes and Practices: Vendors generally express positive attitudes toward maintaining hygiene, understanding its importance for consumer health and business success. Originality/value-Underserved Research Area: Street food vending is a significant part of the informal economy, particularly in developing regions, but often lacks sufficient formal research. This study explores an area where academic and policy-focused research may be limited, making it a fresh and critical investigation. Focus on Food Safety in Informal Settings: While food safety is well-documented in formal food industries, there is less research on how informal vendors manage food safety. This study provides original insights into how these vendors understand and practice food safety without formal training or resources.

REIMAGINING SOUTH AFRICA’S URBAN FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION THROUGH THE LENS OF INFORMAL FOOD SECTOR: THE CASE OF BUFFALO CITY MUNICIPALITY

The African Food Security Urban Network (AFSUN)survey found that over 70% of low-income households in South Africa sourced their food from informal outlets. Despite the importance that the informal food retail sector plays in food security, it remains neglected by policy support and institutional funding. The paper focused on the role of local informal food markets in addressing urban household food security in Buffalo City Municipality (BCM), South Africa. This paper argued that informal food markets including food vendors have a potential to improve household food insecurity levels but face many barriers. The study sought to identify these barriers and make an understanding of how these local food markets adopt coping mechanisms in meeting their basic needs including addressing household food insecurity. A qualitative approach was adopted for this study. Data was collected from 40 food vendors, particualrly street vendors and home-based enterprises in the township of Duncan, through interviews, observations, and archival research. Interviews included semi structured interviews to gather insights from street vendors, while interviews with city officials provided key informant perspectives. This study’s findings show that households without access to networked infrastructure use informal food markets as: (i) a food source, (ii) a food kitchen and a cookstove and (iii) a refrigerator, to purchase their foodstuff and other ready-to-eat meals.

Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Review of Two Decades of Food Vendors Study: Deciphering the Dynamics of Food Vendor Research

This study examines food vendor research over a two-decade period (2005-2023), using both bibliometric and systematic review approaches. Using data from the Scopus database with 421 articles, the study shows a significant increase in research production, with a focus on food security, consumer behavior, and the influence of COVID-19. The bibliometric analysis reveals major study issues, such as food safety, sustainability, and the informal sector, while a systematic examination of the top 20 most-cited publications provides additional insight into the research landscape. This review emphasizes the need of include time in food accessibility studies, the need for a more nuanced understanding of food deserts, and the increased interest in organic vegetable marketing and insect eating. Also this is the first article which completely drafted in the perspective of food vendors. The study concludes by identifying limitations and suggesting future research directions, emphasizing the importance of an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating qualitative methods, focusing on specific regions, investigating the impact of the internet, and delving deeper into purchasing habits, sustainability, and socioeconomic impacts. This thorough analysis lays the groundwork for future research, encouraging the creation of more fair, sustainable, and resilient food systems.

Incidence of Pathogens in Fruits and Vegetables in Tropical Bwari Town

Introduction: In numerous tropical regions of developing nations, the prevalence of foodborne illnesses is perceived to be more severe than in developed countries, due to insufficient food safety initiatives or the lack of a structured institutional framework for street food vendors. The study's objectives of examining microorganisms associated with fruits and vegetables, the prevailing temperature and the hygiene practices of various fruit and vegetable sellers were all met. Methods: A self-designed questionnaire completed by twenty vendors were used. Laboratory techniques like serial dilution, biochemical testing, and culture techniques were used. A handheld thermometer was used to determine the prevailing temperature, and descriptive statistics using Microsoft Excel was used to analyze data. Results and Discussion: Statistical analysis revealed that 80% of vendors had washing facilities, 70% worked in a clean environment, 20% washed their hands before handling fruits, 70% dressed correctly, and 70% kept their fruits and vegetables above the WHO temperature standard. A laboratory investigation revealed the bacteria counts of (watermelon being the highest 8.3×105, cucumber 5.4×105, carrot 2.3×105, orange 3.7×105). Microbial species encountered were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella species, amongst others, which increases health risk. Conclusion: The study concluded that temperatures, handling processes, and inadequate hygiene all had impact on fruits and vegetables sold in tropical Bwari area. It also established a link between temperature and the prevalence of bacteria in fruits and vegetables. As a result, the study suggests monitoring and surveillance of fruit and vegetable sellers, national vendor hygiene policies and public awareness.

The effectiveness of information, education, and communication (IEC) methods on food safety and hygiene among food vendors during Ramadan

Background: During Ramadan 2023, only 4.7% of the 104 snack and food outlets in Jakarta, Indonesia, at the Cilandak District Primary Health Center met hygiene and sanitation standards. The inspections involved supervising cleanliness, implementing HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point), and counseling on the implementation of health and food safety practices. Purpose: To evaluate the impact of information, education, and communication (IEC) methods on food safety and hygiene practices among street food vendors during Ramadan. Method: A quantitative design with a quasi-experimental approach, an information, education, and communication (IEC) methods on food safety and hygiene for food vendors during the month of Ramadan consisting of one group. The study had two steps: first, it inspected food outlets before and after an educational intervention using a health environment inspection (eIKL PaJan) form; secondly, it tested food samples using a rapid test. Three outlets were randomly selected from each of the five sub-districts, and the data was analyzed using a paired T-test. The level of statistical significance was set at an alpha level of 0.05. Results: Fifteen "takjil" snack vendors were evaluated, and most had non-conformity scores. The highest non-conformity scores were due to hand hygiene issues and lack of knowledge about food safety. After the intervention, the mean score of knowledge about safe food handling increased from 57.5 to 75.9, with p<0.001 indicating an increase in awareness of food safety perceptions. Of the fifteen food samples tested, six showed the presence of formalin in the rapid test. However, subsequent testing at the laboratory revealed that the samples were free of formalin. Conclusion: Our study highlights a significant public health concern: enhancing awareness can bolster the safety, cleanliness, and knowledge of snack food outlet proprietors. This could positively affect the economy, human resource quality, and health through the implementation of food security practices.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of food hygiene and safety among food vendors in a rural tertiary health facility in south South Nigeria

Background: Food hygiene and safety is a public health concern that requires the practices to prevent microbial and other contaminants of food from production to consumption. Study design: A descriptive cross-sectional study. Methods: One hundred (100) food handlers/vendors from ten food premises within the teaching hospital environment were interviewed using a semi-structured validated questionnaire. All food handlers/vendors who consented to participate in the study were interviewed (total population). Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Statistical significance was set at 95% confidence level with p<0.05. Results were presented in tables and charts. Results: One hundred (100) participants were interviewed and of this, 44% were cooks and 67% had good knowledge of food hygiene and safety. Majority (70%) had positive attitude towards food hygiene and safety and about half (53%) had good practice of food hygiene and safety. Majority of those who had work experience of 26 years and above (77.8%) had good practice and positive attitude (88.9%) towards food hygiene and safety. More with no formal education (62.5%) had good practice of food hygiene and safety but this association was found not to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Two third of the respondents had good knowledge of food hygiene and safety with majority of them having positive attitude. This positive attitude and good knowledge of the respondents did not quite translate to good practice as only about half of them had good practice of food hygiene and safety.

Top five honeymoon destinations for international travelers in Thailand

Thailand has been one of the most coveted honeymoon spots for newlywed couples from around the world for quite some time now. Be it its magnificent landscapes, enchanting culture, or warm hospitality-this Southeast Asian beauty never misses a chance to enthrall international travelers. The following represents an in-depth study in which we reveal the cream of honeymoon spots in Thailand, giving the reader an in-depth look at our top five picks bound to create lifelong memories. First on our list is the picturesque island of Phuket, really a tropical paradise found. With its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and luxurious resorts, this destination merely sets the stage for a dream-like honeymoon experience. From snorkeling off its colorful coral reefs to going on a romantic sunset cruise, to simply relaxing with a rejuvenating beach couples' massage, couples can truly do almost anything in paradise. With great nightlife and excellent food to boot, Phuket is little short of a dream destination. Second on the list is the very beautiful Island of Koh Samui, boasting its ideal beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Here, honeymooners can have the ultimate fun in secluded beaches, high-class luxury resorts, and a harmonious balance of unspoiled nature and modern-day comfort. From walking hand in hand over the velvet softness of the sand to jet-skiing across wild waves, from a lazy afternoon nap on the hot sandy beach to dinner by candlelight under star-studded skies, Koh Samui is a place of idyllic romance that cossets couples as they celebrate their love. The far inland from any coastline, Chiang Mai offers the honeymooner a more culturally enriched experience. Tucked away among mist-shrouded mountains and lush landscapes, this northern city is bursting with history, spirituality, and natural beauty in one. They can walk around ancient temples, join traditional Thai cooking classes, or have once-in-a-lifetime elephant treks, or simply sit in a retreat in a traditional Thai spa. The city of Chiang Mai is considered a dreamland for couples seeking cultural immersion and serenity on their honeymoon. Krabi is another must-see destination for honeymooners traveling in Thailand, boasting awe-inspiring karst formations, turquoise waters, and thick mangroves. This paradisiacal coastline acts as an idyllic backdrop for romance and adventure. A couple can go on an island-hopping tour mesmerizing or trek into emerald jungles to discover hidden waterfalls deep inside, or they can simply go on a rock-climbing spree. With Krabi Natural Wonders and breathtaking vistas, it stands out as an ideal destination for couples who are looking for a well-balanced dose of relaxation and exploration. Finally, there is the city of Bangkok-a metropolis bustling with life that effortlessly melts modernity with tradition. This pulsating capital is sure to mesmerize newlywed couples with skyscrapers touching the sky, ornate temples, chaotic markets, and pulsating street life. From eating from street food vendors down to an immersive nightlife, experiences in Bangkok are simply unending. They would be able to cruise along the magnificent Chao Phraya River, get lost in the majesty of the Grand Palace, or even just take a romantic evening stroll through the charming old town. In fact, from the careful research and analysis we had conducted, Thailand turns out to be an enchanting honeymoon paradise that no couple can resist, for its perfect setting combines relaxation, recreation, and exploration. Be it the serenity of pristine beaches, an immersion in ancient cities, or the vibrant hum of a metropolis, these are the top honeymoon destinations in Thailand that create an unforgettable experience that will be etched into the hearts of couples as they begin their journey of love.

Negligible impact of supermarkets on food security (so far) in low-income neighborhoods of Accra, Ghana

In recent years, African policymakers have embraced supermarket development as a form of food system modernization, but the impacts of the proximity of supermarkets on low-income households in a developing African city are largely unexplored. Using a sample of 680 households in seven of Accra’s poorer neighborhoods, we examine the dimensions and level of food security, household-level determinants, and what impact, if any, the arrival of supermarkets has had on local food security. Using two internationally accepted food-security metrics, (Food Consumption Score and Household Food Insecurity Access Scale), two economic measures (income equivalence and asset ownership), and satellite imagery of supermarket locations, we find that physical proximity to supermarkets is not significantly associated with household food security in low-income areas of Accra. The majority of poor households in Accra are currently food secure, but asset ownership is a much stronger predictor of food security than income. The relatively high degree of food security in Accra is likely related to credit-based relationships that households have with local food vendors. Further, given that supermarkets can compete with these so-called “informal” vendors for access to public space, these credit-based relationships will suffer with new supermarket development. Our study highlights the need for nuanced understanding regarding the role of consumer-retailer and retailer-retailer relationship in ensuring food access for low-income households in urban Africa.

Perceived utilitarian and hedonic values: Understanding Chinese consumers' street food purchase intentions

This study proposed an extended model of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to elucidate the factors driving Chinese consumers' intentions to purchase street food. A survey of 1,122 Chinese consumers was conducted, and the data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and mediation effect tests. The findings demonstrate a substantial increase in the explanatory power of the extended TPB model, reaching 70.0%, thereby underscoring its predictive validity for street food purchase intentions. Notably, perceived utilitarian value emerged as the dominant predictor of purchase intentions, followed by purchase attitudes and perceived hedonic value. These results have significant implications for street food vendors, particularly in developing countries like China, where prioritizing perceived values and emphasizing functional attributes, such as rapid service and competitive pricing. As a whole, the model proposed in the current study can be safely used to predict consumer purchase intentions towards street food and the findings can guide Chinese food street vendors to develop target marketing strategies.

Phenolic Ecotoxins in River Water: Survey on Knowledge and Practices of Road-Side Food Vendors Operating Along River Chania Bank Fringes in Thika Sub- County, Kenya

Purpose: Phenolic ecotoxins consumed in raw surface water from river sources has been implicated in causing diseases of high burden such as cancers, in Kenya. This study was conducted in Thika Sub County, and data collected from roadside food vendors and food hawkers who operate small scale street food business along the fringes and banks of River Chania. The study’s objective was to establish the knowledge on Phenolic ecotoxins present in river water and practices of the study respondents. Methodology: A crossectional descriptive study design was used, in which combined interviews and questionnaire enquiries conducted from, n=341, small-scale road side food vendors and hawkers was analyzed. Findings: Data reveals that none of the respondents had knowledge on Phenolic ecotoxin contaminants and additionally a strongly associated correlation (P<0.001, χ222.6 and df 1), further augments the disclosure that, poor knowledge of raw river water safety and hygiene does result to body harm and ill health. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: There is increased need and effort to scale up the sensitization and awareness on exposure to harmful ecotoxin contaminants from the use of raw river water. Water decontamination mobile units should be considered and introduced especially in urban areas of high population density, transversed by rivers.

The Formaldehyde, TVOCs, PM2.5 and PM10 Concentrations at Outdoor Street Food in Kalasin, Thailand

Human health and well-being are directly impacted by air quality. Cardiovascular and respiratory problems have been linked to exposure to pollutants such as formaldehyde, total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), and particulate matter 2.5 and 10 micrometers (PM2.5 and PM10). This study aimed to quantify formaldehyde, TVOCs, PM2.5, and PM10 levels in the outdoor air at street food vendors in Kalasin, Thailand. The study was conducted at street food vendors in the province of Kalasin. Formaldehyde values at the top five food stalls in Kalasin ranged from 0.58 to 1.41 mg/m3. The PM2.5 values ranged from 2.29 to 9.43 ug/m3, and the TVOC values ranged from 2.91 to 7.02 ug/m3, with PM10 concentrations ranging from 2.86 to 7.29 ug/m3. Drawing on data about these pollutant concentrations across five distinct locations, the following recommendations can be put forth: Elevated levels of formaldehyde, TVOCs, PM2.5, and PM10 in certain areas can have detrimental effects on the environment and human well-being.

ASSESSING FOOD SAFETY AWARENESS AND PRACTICES AMONG STREET FOOD VENDORS IN KATSINA STATE, NORTH WESTERN NIGERIA

Food safety is a critical global issue, with contaminated food posing serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as children under five, the elderly, and the sick. This study examined food safety practices among street food vendors in major towns of Katsina State. Using structured questionnaires and a multi-stage sampling technique, data were collected from a total of 316 street food vendors to assess vendors' awareness and adoption of food safety measures. Descriptive statistics and traffic light model were used to analyse the data. While vendors demonstrated high awareness of basic hygiene practices like washing utensils and avoiding work when ill, the adoption of other crucial practices, such as using hand gloves and maintaining clean selling locations, was found to be low. This gap between awareness and practice highlights the need for targeted interventions, including training programs and public awareness campaigns, to bridge the knowledge-behaviour gap. The traffic light model categorized food safety risk to levels, revealing that many vendors operate at high to moderate risk levels. These findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring, feedback, and enforcement of food safety regulations. Recommendations include enhancing access to resources, providing incentives for good practices, and implementing regular health and safety audits. This can significantly reduce foodborne illnesses, ensuring safer food consumption, and supporting national health and economic development through safer trade and tourism activities. This study contributes to the on-going discourse on food safety in developing regions and highlights critical areas for policy and practical interventions to safeguard public health.

Risk factors associated with street food consumption in Dhaka city due to faeco-oral parasitic infection in food vendors

Ready to eat foods that are sold in streets and busy public places and popular for their affordability, accessibility and distinct flavour and taste are termed as street foods. Due to their low-income levels, the majority of people in developing countries rely on street food for their daily dietary needs. In Bangladesh, many street food vendors target young school-going children by selling attractive food items in front of schools. To understand the implications of street food consumption in Dhaka city, 200 school-based street food samples and 200 corresponding faecal samples from vendors around 50 schools were analyzed using the Formal-ether concentration method from September 2021 to June 2022. 10 parasite species (Entamoeba histolytica, Blastocystis hominis, Cystoisospora belli, Diphyllobothrium latum, Hymenolepis diminuta, Hymenolepis nana, Ascaris lumbricoides, Enterobius vermicularis, Trichuris trichiura, Ancylostoma duodenale) were identified by microscopic observation. From food and the corresponding stool samples, 7 parasite species were found. B. hominis caused the greatest proportion of infections (21.5%), followed by C. belli (20.5%), A. lumbricoides (17%), D. latum (4.5%), H. nana (3%), T. trichiura (2.5%) and E. histolytica (0.5%). Statistical analysis revealed that city corporation, age, smoking status and use of today’s materials next day (p < 0.05) were associated with parasites present in stool. In the food samples, city corporation, age, use of mask, currently having disease, using today’s materials next day were significantly associated with presence of parasites (p < 0.05). This study is one of the first to correlate the lack of hygienic practices of the food vendors with an increased risk of parasitic infection in the vendors and their street foods resulting the possibility of transmission to the consumers. The study findings indicate the urgent need to ensure food quality.

Food Safety Awareness and Proper Hygiene among Food Vendors

Proper hygiene practices among food vendors are crucial in ensuring food safety and preventing foodborne illnesses. Although food vendors play a critical role in the food supply chain, foodborne illnesses and food contamination can result from inadequate hygiene practices. This study aimed to assess the food safety awareness and hygiene practices of street vendors in Digos City. Eventually, data was collected from 150 randomly selected food vendors, and answered the adopted questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale. The study used a descriptive-comparative research design to determine the awareness level of food vendors on food safety and proper hygiene. Based on the findings, the level of awareness on food safety is high. It indicates that food safety standards are consistently upheld across food vendors. While, the level of food hygiene among food vendors was described as high, thus, this indicates that the food hygiene among food vendors is well practiced and relatively evident. Findings also revealed that there was a significant difference between food safety awareness and proper hygiene practices among vendors when analyzed by profile. Hence, the study suggests that improving food safety and hygiene standards in Digos City can lead to a reduction in foodborne diseases and overall public health by implementing food safety training for vendors and must undergo regular inspections of city health office.

Quality of Reused Frying Oils from Various Fried Food Vendors in Ho Municipality

Background: Frying makes food tasty; therefore, most people prefer the intake of fried foods to unfried foods. Oil for frying is mostly used again due to cost, and this can pose health hazards to the consumer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of reused frying oils. Methods: Twenty samples of reused oils collected from fried food vendors in May 2021. Using an experimental study, the samples were analysed and Peroxide, Free Fatty Acid (FFA), Saponification, Iodine Values as well as rancidity and beta carotene were determined. Data from laboratory assays were analysed with Microsoft excel 2013 and SPSS v.26.0. Results: Moisture content was observed to decrease as median from 1.19% (0.20-4.04%) for oils reused after a day to 0.60% for oils reused after 2 days with a significant effect (p-value=0.049), indicating that the quality of reused frying oil was affected by repeated use. The moisture content was also observed to be higher in oils in which plant products were fried compared to those in which animal products were fried. The Peroxide Value was recorded as 16.80 (5.80-55.80) and 21.90 (11.50-32.30) mEq/kg for oils with 10-20 and 21-40 min frying times, respectively; whilst their moisture content decreased from 0.97 (0.19-2.55) to 0.68% (0.60-0.77%) for 10-20 and 21-40 min, respectively. The authors also observed that factors such as the duration of reuse and storage after frying, conditions of storage, type of food fried in the oil, and the period of frying per food batch impacted the quality attributes of the reused oils. The FFA composition for instance increased with the duration of use of the oils. Furthermore, oils stored in plastic bottles recorded higher FFA values compared to those stored in frying pans. Conclusion: The findings show the need for fried food vendors to reduce the duration of storage of reused frying oil, and avoid storage conditions that expose oils to excess light. Also, the development of quality standards for highly patronised oils needs to be established to ascertain the impact of low-temperature long-time and high-temperature short-time treatments of the oils among non-existent jurisdictions.

APPRAISAL OF ACCESS TO CLEAN FUELS BY FOOD VENDORS IN ILARO, YEWA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

The extensive use of solid fuels in food preparation such as firewood and charcoal presents problems for the environment, human health, and the economy. In Nigeria, more than 175 million people rely on traditional biomass for daily cooking. While significant research has been done on access to clean cooking fuels among households, particularly households in rural areas, there is a gap in the study of access to clean fuels among food vendors in developing countries, including Nigeria. This study explores factors influencing access to clean cooking fuel among food vendors in Nigeria. The study adopts a cross-sectional survey design, a pretested questionnaire was administered to all the registered food vendors in the study area. The results show that a significant number of the food vendors in the study area use solid fuels such as firewood and coal. Probit regression result indicates that education and income are significant factors that increase predicted probability of the use of clean fuel among food vendors. Empirical findings also show that financial constraints, availability and distribution of clean fuel, technical issues, and lack of information on the importance of clean fuel usage are some of the attention-seeking challenges inhibiting the adoption of clean cooking fuels among food vendors. Thus, the study suggests the need for integrated strategies that aim at increasing awareness of the benefits of adopting clean cooking fuels among food vendors, improving the affordability of clean cooking fuels, and providing technical assistance for transitioning into clean cooking fuels. KEYWORDS: Cooking Fuels, Food Vendors, Clean Energy Nigeria

Entrepreneurial mindset strategies in times of crisis: a qualitative study on street food vendors

Entrepreneurial mindset strategies in times of crisis: a qualitative study on street food vendors

Going with the food flow: The contribution of urban agriculture to a growing African city

ABSTRACT Sub-Saharan Africa's rapid urban growth is causing a decline in urban agricultural land, reducing access to healthy local food for citizens. This paper quantitatively and spatially describes the contribution of urban and peri-urban producers to the availability and accessibility of fresh leafy vegetables in the growing city of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Based on over 700 surveys with food vendors and consumers, as well as ethnographic research with farmers, we show how a total of 70 per cent of all amaranth consumed in Dar es Salaam was found to be produced within the city. With an average distance travelled from farm to fork of 11 km, leafy vegetables have a strongly localised foodshed. The results show the ongoing significance of urban areas in meeting their own food demands, emphasising the necessity to explicitly integrate food provisioning in the planning of growing African cities.

Enhancing Street Food Safety in Kampala: Current Challenges and Future Directions

Street food vending in Kampala is a vibrant component of the city’s cultural and economic fabric, providing affordable, diverse food options and supporting local agriculture. However, the informal nature of street food vending introduces significant food safety challenges, including regulatory constraints, inconsistent sanitary practices, and risks of microbiological contamination. This review examines the current state of street food vending in Kampala, focusing on regulatory frameworks, hygiene standards, and vendor knowledge. It explores the health implications of street food consumption, including case studies of foodborne illnesses, and evaluates successful interventions aimed at improving safety. The review also draws comparative insights from practices in other cities and identifies emerging trends and research needs. Key findings highlight the need for strengthened enforcement mechanisms, enhanced vendor training, and improved public awareness to address food safety challenges. Recommendations include adopting best practices from successful cities, leveraging emerging technologies for real-time monitoring, and improving infrastructure to support safe street food practices. This comprehensive overview offers actionable insights for stakeholders to enhance the safety and sustainability of street food vending in Kampala. Keywords: Street Food, Kampala, Current Challenges, Future Directions