Food Vendors Research Articles

A Cross-sectional Study to Assess Bacteriological Quality of Fresh Vegetable Salads and Associated Risk Factors in Food Service Establishments in Mwanza City

This study examined the bacteriological quality of fresh vegetable salads and associated risk factors in restaurants and street food vendors in Nyamagana and Ilemela municipalities, Mwanza City, Tanzania. Thirty samples of vegetable salads (i.e., Kachumbari), along with 30 swabs from hands and chopping boards, were collected and analyzed. High contamination levels exceeding acceptable limits were observed with total bacterial counts, S. aureus, and E. coli ranging from 3.6 to 6.7 log CFU/g. All Kachumbari samples (100%) were unsatisfactory, and 17 (56.7%) had unsatisfactory E. coli levels. Moreover, 22 samples (73.3%) had unsatisfactory S. aureus levels, and 10 samples (33.3%) showed unsatisfactory Salmonella spp. contamination. Further, Kachumbari from street food vending sites had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher TBC mean value (6.5 ± 0.3 log CFU/g) than the one from restaurants (5.2 ± 0.6 log CFU/g). On the other hand, chopping boards and hands had high total counts ranging from 3.5 to 4.7 log CFU.cm-2. Also, the type of chopping board was significantly related to the S. aureus contamination levels in the Kachumbari salads (p < 0.05). The presence of both hygiene indicator microorganisms and pathogens indicates a potential public health risk associated with the consumption of Kachumbari. Urgent intervention measures are required to enhance handling practices, personal hygiene, and overall safety throughout the food value chain, thus ensuring the quality and safety of vegetable salads in food service establishments.

Nutrition knowledge and attitudes of street food handlers in Mangaung Metro Municipality in free state, South Africa

Nutritious and safe food is essential for good health. However not all food handlers especially in the street food trade know how to or are willing to prepare nutritiously balanced meals. Many non-communicable diseases are associated with poor diets, this therefore implies that habitual consumers of street vended foods could be at risk. This study therefore aimed to analyze the nutrition knowledge and attitudes of street food handlers as well as the food types sold. The study followed a cross-sectional, quantitative design using a peer reviewed questionnaire to obtain street food handler demographics, nutrition knowledge, attitudes and food types sold. Questionnaires were administered to 100 food vendors (June–August 2022) with more females (57%) than males (43%) in the sample. The nutrition knowledge responses given by vendors are indicative of a satisfactory knowledge level. None of the participants scored below 33% (i.e., ≤5/15). The vendors had positive attitudes towards nutrition. However, the meals they sold such as fat cakes and processed meats, were mostly fat and energy dense, and these have a potential to cause health issues such obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Studies on nutrition knowledge especially among this demographic are significantly fewer, and no other study of this kind has been conducted in the Free State.

Women as street food vendors in India: An uncertain workspace

Women as street food vendors in India: An uncertain workspace

MICROBIAL LOAD AND ANTIBIOTICS RESISTANCE PATTERNS OF BACTERIAL ISOLATES FROM NIGERIA NAIRA NOTES

In our society today, exchange of goods and services usually involves exchange of currency notes by hand. This can serve as a means of transferring microorganisms and antibiotics resistant bacterial isolates. This study was aimed at assessing the contamination of Naira notes in Ungwan Rimi area of Kaduna State and to determine the antibiotics resistance patterns of the isolated bacteria. A total of 160 samples of naira notes, were collected randomly from staff and students, marketers, hospital and pharmacies, food vendors and transporters at strategic spots in Ungwan Rimi. Bacteria isolation and identification of samples were carried out using spread plate technique on medium and standard biochemical characterization, respectively. Antibiotics susceptibility testing were carried out using agar disc diffusion method. Isolates that were non-susceptible to at least one antimicrobial agent in three or more antimicrobial classes were classified as multidrug resistant (MDR), those that remain susceptible to agent(s) in only one or two classes as extended drug resistant (XDR) while pandrug resistant (PDR) isolates were classified as those isolates that were resistant to all antibiotics used. Highest bacterial load was observed with N100 notes with marketers (5.33 x 105) while the least bacterial load was 1.2 x 104 in N50 notes from hospitals and pharmacies. The following bacteria were isolated Staphylococcus aureus 70 (26.8%), Bacillus spp 60 (23.0%), Clostridium spp 31 (11.9%), Escherichia coli 30 (11.5%), Streptococcus species 25 (9.6%), Klebsiella spp 24 (9.2%), Salmonella 15 (5.8%), Shigella species 4 (1.5%) and Pseudomonas species 2 (0.8%)...

Consumer trust in Thai street food vendors: implications for the post-pandemic era

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of service quality (SQ), perceived value (PV) and consumer satisfaction on Thai street food, with customer satisfaction (CS) as a mediator for customer loyalty and repurchase intention (RI). It also explores how consumer trust (CT) in Thai street food safety moderates these relationships.Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modelling (SEM) was utilised to analyse the complex interrelationships between various constructs. Multi-group analyses were conducted to investigate the moderating effects of CT on the structural model, considering two distinct groups based on trust levels: low and high.FindingsThe findings revealed that SQ and PV significantly influenced CS and behavioural intention, while the perceived quality of Thai street food had no significant impact on post-COVID-19 consumer satisfaction. The study highlighted the critical role of CT in moderating the relationships between SQ, PV and CS, with distinct effects observed in groups with varying trust levels.Social implicationsThe research emphasises the importance of enhancing SQ and delivering value to customers in the context of Thai street food, which can contribute to increased CS, RI and positive word-of-mouth. Furthermore, the study underscores the critical role of building CT in fostering enduring customer relationships and promoting consumer satisfaction and loyalty.Originality/valueThis research offers valuable insights into consumer behaviour and decision-making processes, particularly within the realm of Thai street food. It underscores the significance of understanding and nurturing CT, especially in the post-COVID-19 landscape, emphasising the need for effective business strategies and consumer engagement.

Homecoming

This article details the author’s journey through her hometown of Kuching, Sarawak, and the multisensorial experience of revisiting familial homes and key culinary heritage sites around the city. The everyday and the mundane are highlighted as key features which hold together the rich mosaic of the culinary traditions and history of Kuching. Kuching has recently been recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, which acknowledges its unique blend of historical and contemporary culinary practices. This article examines what this means for a city where hawker food culture is the lifeblood of Kuching, but also where a burgeoning gastronomic scene is increasingly drawing attention on the international stage. It argues for a revaluation of the traditional binaries between local food vendors (hawkers) and professional chefs, suggesting that both contribute to the city’s culinary landscape. This approach will help form a comprehensive and inclusive understanding of Kuching as a UNESCO Creative City. It will also guide future efforts to establish sustainable and locally based food supply chains in the city.

Food Safety, Hygiene Practices and Consumer Choice of Food Vendors in Tertiary Institutions in Abia State, Nigeria

The paper the influence of food safety and hygiene practices on consumer choice of food vendors in tertiary institution in Abia State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study is to determine the standard of food safety and hygiene practices among food vendors in the study area and the influence of environment on consumer choice of food vendors in the study area. Two research objective guided the study and one hypothesis. Structured questionnaire and observational checklist were used to assess the food safety and hygiene practices among food vendors. The study population comprises of all the registered food vendors and consumers of the selected tertiary institutions in Abia State. Convenience sampling techniques was adopted for the study. A sample size of 260 registered food vendors and 196 consumers were adopted for the study. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and means were used to analyze demographic variables and research questions, while multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 significant level. Findings revealed that environment, location, price, quality of food among others are some of the factors that influences consumers’ choice of food vendors. Management of tertiary instructions should sensitize, train and retrain food vendors on preparing and serving a healthy food to consumers. Disciplinary measures should be put in place to ensure strict adherence to standard food safety and hygiene practices in these institutions.

Food Hygiene, Safety Measures, and Associated Factors among Street Food Vendors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Implications for Intervention Activity Design and Implementation

Background. Foodborne outbreaks and epidemic diseases are common in resource-limited countries. Many people in developing countries are increasing their habit of eating fast foods prepared on the street due to their low cost and accessibility, while most of them get sick due to poor food hygiene practices and safety measures among the street food vendors. Therefore, this research is aimed at assessing food hygiene knowledge, practices, and associated factors among street food vendors. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 494 street food vendors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The data were collected using a face-to-face interview with a pretested questionnaire. All precautions for prevention of COVID-19 were followed since the study was conducted during the COVID-19 era. The data were entered into a computer and cleaned using EpiData 3.4 before being exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. A multivariable logistic regression with a 95% confidence interval was used to identify the factors that were significantly associated with poor hygiene practice. Results. In this study, 78% of street food vendors had poor hygienic practices. Monthly income less than 2000 birr (AOR=1.95, 95% CI (1.36, 11.26), p=0.014), age groups less than 25 years of age (AOR=3.17, 95% CI (1.12, 8.97), p=0.03), food vendors who prepare food while not healthy (AOR=2.07, 95% CI (1.25, 5.93), p=0.025), and lack of toilet facilities (AOR=2.84, 95% CI (1.58, 9.68), p≤0.001) were significantly associated with the poor hygiene practices of street food vendors at a significance level of p≤0.05. Conclusions. The general food hygiene practices and safety measures were poor. Age groups younger than 25 years of age, monthly income less than 2000 birr, preparing food while sick, and lack of access to toilet facilities were significantly associated with poor food hygiene and safety practices. To promote food safety and community health, street food vendors should receive health education and training about proper food hygiene practices through health extension workers and mass media. Basic infrastructure and services like clean water supply and waste disposal facilities should be provided for street vendors to improve food hygiene and safety practices.

Food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices of food vendors participating in Nigeria’s school feeding program

This study aimed to measure the food safety knowledge, attitude, and practices among food vendors engaged in Nigeria’s ongoing Home-grown School Feeding Program. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in face-to-face interviews with 240 food vendors from 3 states in northeast Nigeria involved in the school feeding program using a structured questionnaire. Multiple linear regression results revealed that increased education and access to information through radio, television, and food inspection institutions increased food safety knowledge. Food safety attitudes score increased with more years of vending experience and accessing food safety information via radio, food inspection institutions, and the Internet. An increase in household size and food safety information from friends and colleagues negatively affected food safety attitude scores. As a result, we emphasize the need for dissemination of improved food safety information via radio, television and food safety inspection institutes. Food vendors in the SFP should be selected after passing a food safety training and gaining food handling experience. Higher education should be a priority criterion in the hiring process.

Food safety in Latin American informal food establishments

Background and aimInformal food establishments are an important source of food due to their increased affordability of products and convenience. Food security and safety are two key factors that must coexist for a proper functioning of the food system. In Latin America, the safety of food is less analyzed than food security, although it is central to people’s health, as well as to their personal sustainability. Since informal food establishments are popular food sources in Latin America, this research aims to examine the presence of foodborne pathogens in food products from such establishments.MethodsThis research will be conducted as narrative literature review, collecting data from all publications in Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America between January 1, 2018, and May 31, 2023. The databases searched were PubMed and Web of Science. The search included pathogens such as bacteria, parasites and viruses. The languages of the articles assessed were English and Spanish.ResultsThe analysis was based on 32 articles focusing on seven of all Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America. The pathogens found belonged either to a bacteria type, or to a parasite. No viruses were investigated within the selection of articles. The widest variety of pathogens was among bacteria. The most frequently identified bacteria belonged to the family Enterobacteriaceae. The food products examined ranged from animal products to fruit and vegetables, fish, seafood and already-prepared dishes or juices. The informal food establishments where the studies conducted their analyses were markets, backyard selling points, street establishments or convenience food stores.ConclusionIdentifying pathogens in food products commercialized at different informal retail points has impacts for the safety of the food from personal sustainability viewpoint. Therefore, efforts need to be directed toward better support of the informal food sector in their provision of safe food. Further investigation could trace the exact sources of infection, while public health officials can implement safety programs in cooperation with food vendors.

Biosynthesis of Staphylococcus aureus OS-silver nanoparticles and their antimicrobial and protective effects on coated paper money

Introduction: Currency notes harbor and transmit infectious microorganisms if handled without proper care. Hence, in this study, silver nanoparticles biosynthesized from autochthonous S. aureus OS (S-AgNPs) isolated from Nigeria currency notes (Naira) were used to assess the antimicrobial activity of S-AgNPs against the pathogenic money microbiome and to determine their protective effect on coated currency notes. Methods: Naira notes (15) each, were randomly collected from poultry product sellers, food vendors, fish, sellers, and shopkeepers in Ondo City, Nigeria. A molecular tool was used for the identification of bacterial isolates using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences. Staphylococcus aureus-silver nanoparticles (S-AgNps) were characterized by UV‒visible spectroscopy. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the biosynthesized S-AgNPs against isolated microorganisms were determined using the agar well diffusion method. Results: A total of one hundred and twenty (120) S-AgNP-coated and non-coated papers were improvised as currency notes and randomly distributed among preinformed business owners. The highest bacterial count of 7.90 cfu/mL was recovered from Naira notes collected from food vendors. The highest fungal count of 4.70 cfu/mL on the Naira note was collected from poultry product sellers. S. aureus had the highest frequency of 29.60%. At 5.0 µg/mL, the S-AgNPs had the greatest inhibitory effects (17.30 mm) on Streptococcus pyogenes and Rhizopus stolonifer. The provided currency notes coated with the biosynthesized S-AgNPs showed no growth of microorganisms. Biosynthesized S-AgNPs showed pronounced antimicrobial potential against pathogenic microorganisms isolated from currency (Naira notes). Conclusion: AgNPs can be used as coating agents during currency production to minimize the spread of disease-causing pathogenic microorganisms.

Analysis of Willingness to Pay for Improved Waste Management among Food Vendors in Mzumbe Ward, Mvomero District

Analysis of Willingness to Pay for Improved Waste Management among Food Vendors in Mzumbe Ward, Mvomero District

Prevalence of Bacillus cereus in food and hand swabs of night market food vendors and its relationship with their food safety knowledge, attitude, and practices

This paper aimed to determine Bacillus cereus prevalence in food and hand swab samples and its relationship with the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of the food vendors in the night market in northern Perak, Malaysia. A total of 140 cooked food and hand swab samples were collected in this study. About 28% (N = 83) of food and 42% (N = 57) of the food handlers’ hands were detected with B. cereus. The KAP results of the food handlers showed a (mean ± SD) moderate knowledge score (73.96±15.79%), good attitude score (91.61±7.48%), and high practices score (81.70±11.94%). Further analysis revealed that the attitude of vendors independently influenced their practices. In addition, knowledge and practice scores were found to be significantly related to B. cereus hand carriage. Hence, the findings from this study act as an eye-opener for the authorities to improve awareness of food safety and stress the importance of good attitude and hygiene practices, especially among small food vendors.

“Econamit”: Exploring the Food Cart Economy in an Urbanized City

One well-known aspect of culinary culture that is typically found in urban areas is street food. In Filipino slang, “econamit” refers to a food that is both tasty and affordable. This qualitative study employed narrative inquiry to explore the food cart economy in Kabankalan City, an urbanized city in Philippines. In-depth interview with five street food vendors were conducted and data were analyse through thematic analysis. The recurring themes disclosed that the prevalent reasons of street food vending in Kabankalan City are: a) inherited knowledge form the parents; b) fast to earn money; c) to help the family d) for everyday income; and e) affordable and easy to sell. While, the determinants of Street food identified by the street food vendors are: a) people’s taste and preferences; b) fast and affordable; and c) gastronomic needs. There are only two problems and impediments faced by street food vendors, first is the weather condition when it rains and wet, and the second is the “eat and run” tactics of the customers. The success stories of street food vendors revolved around the overwhelming income they receive from the business and they were able to reach their dreams for the family, themed as “welcoming income” and “reaching the rich dreams”. Thus, Street food vendors may strengthen their capacities and skills through training in food handling, and business information so as to enhance their health sanitation and productivity.

Ethiopian Street Foods: Working Conditions and Governance Perspectives. A Qualitative Study.

Street foods are foods and beverages as either ready for direct consumption or minimally processed, prepared, and/or sold by vendors and handlers. The objective of this study was to explore the condition and governance of street foods in Ethiopia. A qualitative exploratory study was employed from December 2022 to January 2023 in Addis Ababa, Hawassa, Dire Dawa, and Jimma, cities of Ethiopia. Twelve respondents comprised key informants from selected governmental sectors were interviewed. The purposive sampling method was used to recruit study participants. The number of participants interviewed was determined by the information saturation criterion, and data were collected at the interviewee's offices. Data were collected by using key informant interview technique and audio recorded. An interview guide was used to facilitate interviews and thematic analysis was employed. The Overall data management process was conducted using Atlas-ti V 8 software. The result revealed there were 4 thematic areas these were street food vendors and vending process, policy content and implementation, integration and coordination of sectors, and the way forward. The street food vendors prepared their food in an insanitary manner, absence of common working places for the vendors, lack of due emphasis for the street food vendors in the national food and nutrition policy, lack of formalization and legalization of street food vendors, poor coordination among sectors and institutions work on street food governance, and weakness on the implementation of rules and regulations in controlling street food vendors were the prominent gaps that were identified in the policy. Though Ethiopia has a national food and nutrition policy, the policy doesn't adequately address the street food vending sector. Besides, it is not well communicated to the implementers resulting in poor policy implementation. Quantifying socio-economic benefits of street food vending activities in Ethiopia needs further investigation.

A comparative study of food safety knowledge among mobile food vendors and canteen food handlers in markets in Kano Metropolis, Northwest Nigeria

A comparative study of food safety knowledge among mobile food vendors and canteen food handlers in markets in Kano Metropolis, Northwest Nigeria

Undergraduates’ Satisfaction of Online Food and Beverage Services Amidst Financial Distress in Nnewi Urban, Anambra State, Nigeria

This study determined undergraduates’ satisfaction of online food and beverage services amidst financial distress in Nnewi urban, Anambra State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was used by the study. Population consisted of 3,509 students. Sample size was 35. Questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Data was analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that different types of food and beverage products were purchased online. The problems undergraduates face in online food and beverage services included delayed delivery, use of artificial food colouring and fear of food contamination. Strategies for enhancing students’ satisfaction of online purchases included timely delivery of products ordered and appropriate delivery mechanism. Findings also showed that the ways online food and beverage purchases can influence undergraduate’s finances included high cost of online food products, additional cost for delivery among others. Among recommendations made was that online food vendors should ensure that food products delivered are same with products ordered by customers in order to enhance customer satisfaction.

Home Grown School Feeding Programme: A Survey of Implementation in Ube Schools in North Central Nigeria

Providing school meals is not just vital in nourishing the children, but also keeps them stronger and healthier as well as sustains the desire for quality education. The study investigated the implementation of Home-Grown School Feeding Programme in UBE schools in North Central Nigeria. Three research questions guided the study, and three hypotheses were tested. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised 169 respondents; (49 state officials and 120 local government desk officers from the 120 local government areas) in six states and FCT Abuja. The Census sampling technique was used to collect data from all the 169 respondents. Implementation of Home-Grown School Feeding Programme Questionnaire (IHGSFPQ) and Key Informant Interview were developed by the researchers and used for data collection. The instruments were validated by three experts in the Faculties of Education in Benue State University, Makurdi and Nasarawa State University, Keffi and the questionnaire was subjected to a pilot testing and analyzed using Cronbach Alpha to determine the internal consistency and reliability co-efficient which yielded 0.85. The data collected were analyzed using Mean and Standard Deviation to answer the research questions while Chi-square test of goodness-of-fit was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. To collaborate the findings from the questionnaire, the qualitative data were analyzed using simple percentages, tables, and bar charts. The study’s findings revealed that the amount of funds provided for Home-Grown School Feeding Programme is significant for its implementation in UBE schools in North Central Nigeria. The finding also revealed a significant number of food vendors recruited to implement the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme in UBE schools. Furthermore, the finding indicated that there is a significant level of monitoring and evaluation of the success of the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme in UBE schools. It was recommended among others that stakeholders including government agencies and international donors should prioritise increasing funding for the HGSFP to ensure sufficient provision of nutritious meals and necessary resources for its effective implementation.

Study on food safety standards practiced by street food vendors & household women in Varanasi district

Study on food safety standards practiced by street food vendors & household women in Varanasi district

Review on the Health Risk of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Exposure Among Street Food Vendors

Street food vendors have been constantly facing various kinds of livelihood risks and hazards due to the working environment and practices at the vending business. Among others are particulate matters (PM) from vehicle exhaust that produce a complex mixture of pollutants, principally comprised of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). This systemic review aimed to explore the PAH exposure and the associated health impacts among street food vendors. PubMed, Science Direct, and Google scholar were the platforms used to access published articles, journals, manuscripts, reports, and theses. The keywords included were “PAH”, “vehicle emission”, ‘environmental pollution”, “street food vendors”, “1-OHP”, “cooking oil fumes”, “street business” and “health hazards”. A total of 10 articles were selected that included studies emphasizing PAH exposure and overall health impact towards various population of the study. The results show that PAHs are highly carcinogenic and are also considered teratogenic and mutagenic. Vehicle emission can be classified as one of the essential contributors of PAH among street food vendors. In addition, incomplete combustion of organic materials such as coal and wood as well as generation of cooking oil fumes (COF) put the street food vendors at increased risk. Exposure to PAH can result in the increment of oxidative stress level which can further cause development degenerative and non-degenerative diseases, including cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. Hence, it is crucial that the extent of PAHs exposure is assessed, so that preventive measures can be implemented.