An Evaluation of the Hygiene and Sanitation Practices Among Street Food Vendors Along Far Eastern University (FEU)

Street food vendors along Far Eastern University (FEU), specifically on the streets of R.Papa, C.M.Recto, and P.Campa, were investigated in order to assess the hygiene and sanitary practices of street food vendors under which these food stalls operate. The total number of street food vendors included in the study was 15 in the three locations mentioned. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire on Food Hygiene and Sanitation and direct interview among street food vendors. The findings showed that generally, street food vendors were not aware of hygienic conditions and they lack training on food preparation and management. The same percentages of 74% were computed on the criteria which includes the following: (1) the vendors obtained food preparation skills through observation, (2) they prepare street foods just in the stall or working area, (3) the place is untidy, greasy and insects are seen and (4) they store leftover foods at ambient temperature which is the Temperature Danger Zone (TDZ) for all foodstuffs. Then, this street food is sold to unsuspecting students who are likely to get foodborne diseases due to Salmonella typhi, E.coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Only 40% of the vendors had garbage and waste bins beside the food stalls. Personal hygiene like handwashing and proper attire was not also observed, as the vendors never covered their heads, handled money and food at the same time and not everyone wears aprons. This study recommends the establishment of street food center headed by the city council of Manila, the training of street food vendors on hygiene, sanitation and the establishment of code of practice for the street food industry and the empowerment of the local government and the private sector surrounding it.