Street-vended foods are convenient and cheap meals, but their contamination can lead to foodborne illness. This study aimed to evaluate food safety knowledge of street food vendors in Ulundi and AbaQulusi local municipalities of Zululand District, South Africa and compliance of their street food vending environment to sanitary requirements. A cross sectional survey design was utilised to gather data from 400 street food vendors using interviews. A piloted checklist was used to collect data on the sanitary characteristics from 200 randomly selected street food vending facilities. Most of the street food vendors were black (99%), females (73%), and above 35 years (55%). Only the minority of street food vendors had attended a high school (47%) and the vast majority (77%) of them had not attended any food safety training course. The majority (64.7%) of respondents knew that food should not be handled when they have diarrhoea, even if their hands were washed regularly, neither when they have flu, colds, cough, or catarrh. The minority (43%) of street food vendors knew that the use of separate cutting boards for meat and salad, and washing them between uses are the safest ways to avoid cross-contamination. The majority (79.4%) of street food vendors were aware that microorganisms could cause foodborne diseases that may lead to death. The vast majority (76%) of street food vendors had low food safety knowledge and only 14% of the street food vending sites had high compliance with sanitary conditions. In conclusion, most street food vendors possessed inadequate food safety knowledge in key food safety parameters and most of the street food vending facilities were noncompliant. Furthermore, most of them operate under poor sanitary conditions. Street food vendors should be provided with compliant waste disposal and standard kitchen facilities with water resources to ensure hygienic preparation and serving of food. / Life and Consumer Sciences / M. Cons. Sci.

Magister Public Health - MPH / This study is aimed to assess the extent of street food vendor information and education on food safety. Aim: To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of street food vendors, within the City of Johannesburg, with regard to food hygiene and safety. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study utilizing a quantitative research approach. Data was collected through face-to-face interviewing of street food vendors, with observations of general hygiene and cleanliness. Data was captured in Excel and imported into CDC Epi Info version 3.4.3 (2007) for analysis. Numerical data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and categorical data was analyzed using frequencies. Bivariate analysis was used to establish differences between regions with high and low proportions of street food vendors with regard to knowledge, practices and attitudes variables. / South Africa

This study is aimed to assess the extent of street food vendor information and education on food safety. Aim: To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of street food vendors, within the City of Johannesburg, with regard to food hygiene and safety. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study utilizing a quantitative research approach. Data was collected through face-to-face interviewing of street food vendors, with observations of general hygiene and cleanliness. Data was captured in Excel and imported into CDC Epi Info version 3.4.3 (2007) for analysis. Numerical data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and categorical data was analyzed using frequencies. Bivariate analysis was used to establish differences between regions with high and low proportions of street food vendors with regard to knowledge, practices and attitudes variables.

This study is aimed to assess the extent of street food vendor information and education on food safety. Aim: To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of street food vendors, within the City of Johannesburg, with regard to food hygiene and safety. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study utilizing a quantitative research approach. Data was collected through face-to-face interviewing of street food vendors, with observations of general hygiene and cleanliness. Data was captured in Excel and imported into CDC Epi Info version 3.4.3 (2007) for analysis. Numerical data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and categorical data was analyzed using frequencies. Bivariate analysis was used to establish differences between regions with high and low proportions of street food vendors with regard to knowledge, practices and attitudes variables.

Thesis (MPH.) -- University of Limpopo, 2020 / Background: Street food vending has become a common means of providing traditional, known and convenient meals to communal eating. It has also become a growing portent as a means of job creation and as a survival mechanism to many affected by job creation decline. Suggestion: There is an influx of food vendors at Gate 2 of the University of Limpopo and there is a need to investigate both the hygiene and safety measures taken by the vendors and the environment they operate in. Methods: The purpose of the study was to observe and identify food safety and hygiene practices by the street vendors. An observational descriptive cross sectional study design and a convenience sampling technique were used as research designs and sampling methods. A questionnaire on food safety and hygiene was used to collect data. Results: The study revealed that all of the street vendors have no form of food safety and hygiene training. The vendors also highlighted the fact that over and above them having no food safety and hygiene knowledge, food safety and hygiene practices such as washing of hands frequently cannot be adhered to because of the time limitations they have to prepare and be ready for customers as quickly as possible. The vendors practise a mixed storage of raw and cooked food in the refrigerators within the refrigerators. Only 30% of the vendors wear protective hand gloves while preparing food. They have running water in the bathroom and on the premises but no soap is provided in the bathroom for hand washing. Conclusion: Even though street food is increasingly gaining popularity and accessibility based on affordability, traditional meals served and accessibility, food safety and hygiene still are a concern and a matter of alarm. Key words: food safety and hygiene, street food vendor, food poisoning, health hazards

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Background: Street foods (SF) contribute significantly to the nutritional intake of adults and children in developing countries. They are inexpensive and a major source of income for a vast multitude. A major concern is the so-called ‘nutrition transition’, which has led to an increase in foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, sugar and salt, along with processed food items sold on urban community streets in developing countries. These foods contribute to nutritional disorders in the communities where consumed. South Africa’s stable unemployment rate, estimated at 25%, has further influenced business growth in the informal sector, particularly SF vending. As such, a well-developed SF-vending model (SFVM) could potentially address the challenges of unemployment and improve the nutritional status of poorer South Africans. Aim: To develop a sustainable SFVM for selling healthy and safe SF in the City of Cape Town enabling street vendors to make a decent living, and consumers to make healthy choices regarding food purchasing. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed mixed methodology (collecting qualitative and quantitative data). The study was conducted in three phases. Phase 1a: Situation Analysis. This a SF-vendor survey which collected a) socio-demographic factors, b) vendors’ business operational models, c) food items sold, d) available facilities, e) challenges faced, f) certification, and g) nutrition knowledge using a validated questionnaire. An observational checklist capturing data on the appearance of vendors, their stalls, available equipment and type of food sold, supplemented this survey. Phase 1b: A consumer survey included collecting, a) socio-demographic factors, b) purchasing habits, c) consumption preferences, and d) nutrition knowledge using a validated questionnaire. Phase 2a: Semi-structured-interviews and focus group discussions with Environmental Health Officials and Economic Development Officials from the City of Cape Town were conducted to explore the existing -vending regulations and/or policies in the City of Cape Town and gain insight into the SF-vending operations from a regulatory perspective. Phase 2b: A document review was conducted to identify existing regulations and policies on SF vending. Phase 3: conducted in three steps: Step 1, data integration of the previous phases. Step 2, a participatory action research component checking the relevance, acceptability and practicability of identified themes and resulting components from Step 1. Step 3, development of the proposed SFVM using the findings of the previous two steps. Data Analysis: Quantitative data were analysed using IBM SPSS, 2010 Statistics version 23. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations were used to analyse data. Qualitative data were thematically analysed using the qualitative data software package Atlas ti 7.5.7.Results: Phase 1a: vendors in the Cape Town and surrounding areas work long hours up to seven days a week making a minimal income. Types of food items sold by vendors, their nutrition knowledge and hygiene practices were not ideal. A major lack in basic facilities existed. Phase 2a: SF consumers indicated spending a significant amount of their income on SF, and are open to buying healthier options should these be available. Phase 2a: government officials thought the SF-vending business should be guided by national legislature and provincial bylaws, and felt strongly about nutrition and health education for vendors and consumers. Phase 2b: thirteen regulations and bylaws applicable to SF vending were sourced. Phase 3: Data from the previous phases were integrated within a socio-ecological framework to develop the proposed SFVM. The components of this model are divided into four areas, i.e. a business component, food and nutrition component, hygiene component, and a vending cart. Conclusion: The four components in the proposed SFVM take into account various elements of the socio-ecological framework, i.e. intrapersonal/individual, interpersonal, the physical environment/community and the policy environment. This SFVM should be piloted, evaluated, adapted and before rolling it out on a large scale to test its effectiveness.

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the Masters Degree of Applied Science in Food and Nutrition, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Introduction: Food vending is becoming a very important and a useful service. Moreover, socioeconomic factors and lifestyle changes forces customers to buy food from street vendors. Since the food industry is growing worldwide, good hygiene practices coupled with food safety standards is of vital importance. Currently there is inadequate information or scientific data on the microbiological quality and safety of vended foods in South Africa more especially in Durban. To date limited research has been conducted on the food handlers (FH’s) operating as food vendors in different areas of Durban, and a lack of documented evidence about the knowledge that food vendors have on food safety and food hygiene has resulted in the interest in this research. Aim: The aim of this study was to ascertain food hygiene practices and knowledge, food safety practices and the nutritional value of the food served by various food vendors at DUT in Durban. Method: A total number of 15 food vending stalls (comprising of 15 managers and 39 food handlers) situated within the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Durban campuses participated in the study. The study was conducted on all food vendors who prepared and served food items on site. Data collected was of a quantitative nature with two sets of questionnaires (Managers questionnaires and (FH’s) questionnaires), observation sheets to observe FH’s during food preparation and cleanliness, and weighing and recording of menu items prepared and served in order to determine portion sizes and the nutritional content. All the administration of data was completed by the researcher on a Microsoft Excel spread sheet and analysed on the SPSS software version 20. Recording and weighing of menu items was done using an electronic food portion scale. A statistician was consulted to assist in the interpretation of the data. Results: The majority (66.67%) of vendors were females with the educational level that was fairly high, (73.33%) had secondary education. Most of the respondents (80.00%) had been in the food vending business for more than 3 years. The availability of proper infrastructure was poor, 40.00% of the vendors obtained running water from the kitchen taps within the stalls and 60.00% obtained water from a communal sink tap outside the food stalls. Most vending stalls 66.67% had no proper storage facilities; perishable stock was stored on refrigerators, while non-perishable food items were stored on built-in shelves, on top of fridges, on the floor, in storage containers, and on tables due to shortage of space. Thirty three percent of the vendors had designated storerooms for non – perishable items. Food preparation and cooking space was very minimal as a result the researcher observed that in some stalls white and red meat was grilled in the same griller and that increases the chances of cross-contamination. The researcher also observed that the area where most of the vending stalls were situated had no shelter and paving, as a result during food preparation and service, food was exposed to dust, air pollution and flying insects. Most managers 73.33% and FH’s 56.41% attended hygiene and food safety training but observational findings indicated that important hygiene practises such as washing of hands before serving food were not practised. Another concerning observation regarding personal hygiene was that students did not wash hands prior to eating food despite the availability of tap water within the dining area. The majority of managers had contracts with suppliers, and grocery items were mainly purchased from wholesale stores, meat items from formal retailers. A large number of managers 73.33% bought and delivered perishable products themselves using own cars, while 13.33% used refrigerated trucks from the suppliers for the delivery of perishable goods. In that way delivery temperature of food items was not monitored and maintained. The nutritional value of food served by vendors was imbalanced with the majority of the meals exceeding the recommended energy contribution from fat of 15–30%, the carbohydrates (CHO) contribution was lesser than the stipulated percentage of 55-75%, and the mean energy contribution of protein was within the recommended percentage of 10-15%. The mean energy contribution made by fat in all meals was higher than the recommended percentage 15-30%, with the highest contribution of 63.59% and the lowest of 34.12%. High fat meals were of great concern as prospects of cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart diseases were high. The CHO content of meals was below the stipulated percentage of 55- 75% with the maximum percentage of 49.86% and the minimum of 31.04%. The mean energy contribution of protein was 15.36% which was generally within the recommended percentage of 10- 15%. Furthermore, the study revealed that out of the 12 881 kJ recommended for men and 10 093 kJ for females; male students on an average were consuming approximately 14% more kJ than recommended, and female students were consuming approximately 27% more kJ than recommended from the meals. Frequent consumption of such high energy meals can lead to overweight and obesity among young adults. Conclusion: The results of the study revealed the urgent need for basic infrastructure such as a decent food kiosk with adequate working space, proper washing and storage facilities to improve food safety and hygienic practices. Even though food vendors claimed to have received hygiene training, knowledge attained was not effectively practiced or demonstrated; and that placed students at risk of foodborne illnesses. Furthermore, the nutritional value of food served by vendors was imbalanced with the majority of the meals exceeding the recommended energy contribution from fat of 15–30% and the CHO contribution being lesser than the stipulated percentage of 55-75%. Recommendations: Extensive training programme and regular supervision should be put in place by management of the Institution to ensure that proper hygiene practices are in place and also to ensure the quality of food served to students is of acceptable standard. All vending stalls to be provided with basic infrastructure. Food court yard to be well sheltered to avoid food being contaminated by air pollution, dust and pests. DUT management, together with the Department of Health, should organise nutrition awareness programmes to enlighten students about the dangers of unhealthy eating habits. / M

MPH / Department of Public Health / Introduction: Street food vending is a source of income for billions of people around the world. In most developing countries, including South Africa street food is popular. However, most street food has been linked to outbreaks of foodborne illness. The assessment was based on the general hygiene requirement stipulated in R962 of November 2012 framed under Foodstuff cosmetics and Disinfectant Act of 1972 Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess compliance of street food vendors with food and safety regulations in Thulamela Municipality. Method: The study used a quantitative, cross- sectional survey, descriptive design. A convenience sampling was used to sample 155 street food vendors. Data was collected using two instruments; namely, a self-administered questionnaire and an observation checklist. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23.Validity and Reliability will be ensured and measures to ensure ethical considerations were adhered to. Results: A total of 155 street food vendors participated in the study. Most of the street food vendors were in the age group 25- 30 years. There were more females than males. Furthermore, the majority of street food vendors had experience of 5-10 years. The majority (n=61; 39.4%) of street food vendors were operating in Thohoyandou, while some (n=25.8%)operated in Sibasa and forty others (25.8%) operated in Shayandima. Forty-five (29%) of them were illiterate, fifty (32, 3%) did primary education, thirty two (20.6%) had secondary education, four (2.6%) had a matric certification and twenty- four (15.5%) had vocational training. More than half of the In regard to knowledge items on preventing foodborne vendors (n=100; 64.5%) did not attend food hygiene training while (n=55; 35.5%) did. Lastly about a third most (n=48; 31%) of the street food vendors were selling their food in the transport terminals. The survey results indicate that street food vendors exhibited high levels of knowledge regarding items pertaining to hand hygiene. Therefore street food vendors were highly knowledgeable with regard to how much time should be spent when washing hands with soap, the correct way of stopping bleeding while at work, important measures to keep germs away from the food, hand washing and methods of drying hands. However, the street food vendors displayed poor knowledge with regard to reasons why they should dry their hands. Regarding knowledge items on preventing foodborne illnesses, the street food vendors were knowledgeable about the symptoms that make a street food vendors stay away from the workplace, that the best way to destroy any harmful germs is to cook food to the right temperature, that a combination of washing hands, using gloves and keeping food at the right temperature are ways of preventing food borne illnesses. However, street food vendors displayed some knowledge gaps with regard to the correct detergents for washing vessels and why food handlers require some knowledge on food hygiene. A total of 155 vending stalls were observed. The results from the checklist indicated that three quarters (n=116; 75%) of the stalls were protected from the sun, wind and dust. In addition, about (n=136; 87.7%) of the stalls did not have direct access to potable water. Furthermore, about (115; 74.2 %) did not have adequate hand washing facilities and 141(91%) did not have waste disposal facilities. Animals, flies and insects were indeed evident around the stalls in 124(80%) of the 155 stalls. In addition the majority of street food handlers (136; 87.7%) did not wash their hands before preparing food. Regarding hand washing after using toilet, all of the vendors said that they washed their hands each time after visiting the toilet. This was not confirmed as the researcher did not follow the vendors into the toilets. More than three quarters (120; 77%) of the food handlers operated in clean clothes. However, only 39(25%) used an apron when handling food, while 124(80%) did not use gloves to handle food and only 24(15%) used disposable gloves. Although the street food vendors complied with wearing clean clothes, they did not consistently wear aprons and they also used bare hands to touch food. Conclusion: Although the street food vendors were knowledgeable about food hygiene and safety practices, the majority displayed poor hygienic practice and prepared food on unhygienic sites. / NRF