Food Safety Knowledge and Attitude Among Street Food Vendors in Tagbilaran City, Bohol

Abstract

Street Food vending is a widespread practice in urban areas, providing convenient and affordable meals. However, open-air preparation and sale of street food raise safety and hygiene concerns. This study looks at the food safety knowledge and attitudes of street sellers in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. Tagbilaran City, a major political, social, and economic hub in the Philippines, was chosen for this study, which focused on 32 merchants in Poblacion II. The study intends to analyze these vendors' existing food safety practices in light of Rane's (2011) results on foodborne illnesses associated with poor hygiene and sanitation. Data on attitudes toward personal hygiene, sanitation, and food safety were acquired using a quantitative descriptive design and convenience sampling, with a self-developed questionnaire. The findings show that the majority of respondents, predominantly aged 23-27 with a high school education and 1-5 years of vending experience, have high levels of food safety knowledge and positive views toward food safety practices. There were significant relationships among the vendors' ages, their food safety knowledge, and their knowledge and attitudes. The findings indicate that vendors' understanding of health risks and benefits, and their perception of control and social norms, all contribute to their adherence to safe food practices. The successful execution of government-led food safety seminars contributes to these excellent outcomes. This study emphasizes the significance of ongoing education and rigorous monitoring in maintaining and improving food safety standards among street food sellers.