Research Article
Knowledge Gaps in Food Safety Practices Among Street Food Vendors in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana
Abukari Salifu*,
Abdul Muizz Muktar
,
Abdul-Matin Alhassan
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-12
Received:
17 October 2024
Accepted:
6 December 2024
Published:
9 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjph.20251001.11
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Abstract: Majority of food handlers have poor knowledge of the proper cleaning of equipment, cross-contamination prevention, foodborne diseases, food temperature danger zones, and correct procedures for thawing frozen food (Moore et al., 2019). This study aimed at assessing the knowledge gaps in food safety practices among street food vendors in Tamale Metropolis. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 food vendors selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that the majority of food vendors had a high level of knowledge of food safety practices, and so wash their hands with soap and water before handling food, and then inspecting the quality of foodstuffs before using them. However, very few food vendors used protective gear such as gloves or aprons, indicating a gap in food safety practices. Cultural beliefs and access to resources were not significant barriers to adopting food safety practices. The study also found that more than half of vendors had good food safety practices, while a few ones had inadequate or subpar practices. According to the study's conclusions, food vendors in Tamale Metropolis must follow food safety regulations. Targeted interventions by the environmental health unit and food drug authority (EHU/FDA) are needed to improve understanding and adherence to food safety requirements, as seen by the majority of vendors who lack sufficient expertise.
Abstract: Majority of food handlers have poor knowledge of the proper cleaning of equipment, cross-contamination prevention, foodborne diseases, food temperature danger zones, and correct procedures for thawing frozen food (Moore et al., 2019). This study aimed at assessing the knowledge gaps in food safety practices among street food vendors in Tamale Metro...
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