Author(s): Swapna Dutta

Abstract:
Nowadays street food plays an important role in cities and town to meet the ready- to- eat food demands of dwellers. Foods sold specifically in street are abundant sources of food borne diseases and have been responsible for food borne illness. Improper handling practices, lack of knowledge about food safety, and poor personal and environmental hygiene of food handlers or vendors are potential risks for street food consumers. Hence the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of food safety of street food vendors and to observe the food handling practices of street food vendors in Lakhimpur District of Assam. The investigator visited the municipal areas of Lakhimpur District and collected data on food safety knowledge, facilities and hygienic practices of twenty four (24) street food vendors who sold fruits, vegetables and ready to eat product such as Pani puri, Momo, Chicken roll, Vegetable roll, local food item etc. During investigation it has been found that only 33.33% of street food vendor having knowledge of food safety laws. Most of them were unaware about health and hygienic practices (HHPs). Those who understood, its implications believe methods of HHPs irrelevant to the market sector. Only 37.5% of street food vendors had adequate hand washing facilities in the market itself but they did not display proper hand washing techniques under observation. Our survey provides evidence for the need to promote food safety efforts and proper food handling practices of street food vendors and provides a foundation on areas where street food vendors should be trained.