Project Abstract

Abstract
Food hygiene is a critical aspect of public health, particularly in settings where food is prepared and sold by vendors. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of food hygiene among food vendors in urban areas. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, involving 300 food vendors selected through random sampling. The vendors were assessed on their knowledge of food hygiene principles, such as handwashing, storage, and temperature control. In addition, their actual practices in handling and preparing food were observed and evaluated. The results revealed a concerning gap between the knowledge and practices of food hygiene among the vendors. While a majority of vendors demonstrated a basic understanding of food hygiene principles, such as the importance of handwashing and avoiding cross-contamination, their actual practices often fell short of these standards. For example, many vendors were observed not washing their hands properly before handling food or using the same cutting board for raw meat and vegetables without proper cleaning. Furthermore, the study found that certain factors, such as education level and years of experience in the food industry, significantly influenced the level of knowledge and practices of food hygiene among vendors. Vendors with higher education levels were more likely to have better knowledge of food hygiene principles, while those with more experience tended to have better practices in place. However, there were still vendors with high education levels who did not adhere to proper food hygiene practices, indicating a need for targeted interventions regardless of educational background. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of addressing the gap between knowledge and practices of food hygiene among food vendors. Improving education and training programs on food hygiene, as well as implementing regular monitoring and enforcement of hygiene standards, are essential steps to ensure the safety of food sold by vendors. By bridging this gap, not only can the risk of foodborne illnesses be reduced, but the overall quality and safety of street food can be enhanced, benefiting both vendors and consumers alike.

Project Overview

Food is anything which when taken into the body serves       to nourish or build up the body tissues or to supply body        health (Nurses Dictionary 2010). Man is made up of what he eats. The constituents of food which are proteins carbohydrates, fats vitamins, minerals, water nourishes the body and makes man healthy and good looking. These constitutions or nutrients have 3 three major functions to perform in the body.

·        Carbohydrates, fats and oils supply energy for activity and warmth

·        Protein provides for growth and repair of worn out      body tissue.

·        Vitamins and minerals help to regulate many complex processes in the body.

Food being an organic substance grows bacteria very easily and so contamination is very easy (Ebede, 2008). Food hygiene is the conditions and measures necessary to ensure the safety of food from production to consumption. Food can become contaminated at any point during slaughtering or harvesting, processing, storage, distribution, transportation and preparation. (World Health Organization W.H.O 2014.).