A STUDY ON FOOD SAFETY KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF STREET FOOD VENDORS

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to highlight the hygiene practices and food safety knowledge among street food vendors in the selected areas of Panchkula city. Sixty random samples of street food vendors were selected. Data was collected using pre-tested structured questionnaire and observation checklists. Results depicted that none of the vendors had undergone any formal training or apprenticeship on food preparation. Regarding water used by vendors while preparing food 80 % of vendors used municipality water and only 20 percent tube well rest of vendors used water supply from the local authorities. Ninety two vendors cover their prepared food.  Only 72.5% clean the food preparation and distribution area. Data reveals that 12.5% vendors had poor knowledge of food safety 47.5% have average knowledge and only 40% have good knowledge. Knowledge plays a vital role in food hygiene. Coughing, sneezing and touching of hair during handling of food were also not uncommon. Vendors stored the left over foods in cupboards, polythene bags and open areas for sale the next day. Hence, a continuous monitoring in each activity from pre-preparation to cleaning is required in the street food centers.