Evaluation of the hygienic conditions of street vended food in Alexandria

ABSTRACT

Preparation and sale of street foods is an old and almost universal activity in developing countries. This activity has reached new dimensions as a result of rapid urbanization. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the safety of street foods in Alexandria through a sanitation check-list. Results revealed that the highest score of sanitation was found for location [51.14 +/- 24.23], equipment and utensils [38.67 +/- 12.08], then carts or stands [36.33 +/- 26.24], the least score was found for food [25.71 +/- 18.7]. The scores of the 4 parameters [location, food handler, equipment and utensils, and carts or stands] were significantly higher than the food score [F = 8.73, P <0.05]. Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that the carts or stand score was the only significant factor affecting food score. The most critical problems found in the studied carts were the lack of adequate supply of potable water for cleaning and washing [11.76 +/- 31.82] as well as the available waste disposal [5.88 +/- 23.21]