Multinomial Logistic Regression Analysis of Factors Influencing Food Safety, Hygiene Awareness and Practices Among Street Food Vendors in Kiambu County, Kenya.

Abstract

Street food vending is a very popular and unique part of the informal sector, particularly in developing countries. However, the safety of street vended foods is a major public health concern since poor food safety and hygiene knowledge and practices are often reported among street food vendors (SFVs). The objective of this study was to identify the factors influencing food safety, hygiene awareness and practices (FSHAP) among SFVs in Kiambu County, Kenya. Structured questionnaires and an observation checklist were administered to randomly selected 345 SFVs. Results showed that good food safety and hygiene awareness scores were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by education level, food hygiene and safety training, mobility of SFVs, public health inspection, and the category of SFVs. Public health inspection was the only factor that significantly (P<0.05) influenced all FSHAP score categories. Mobile vendors were 1.86 and 2.20 times more likely to have poor working conditions and poor food handling practices scores compared to those who were not mobile, respectively. Training and education level significantly (P<0.01 and P <0.05, respectively) increased food safety and hygiene awareness score whereas the duration of time in street food vending significantly (P<0.05) improved food handling practice score. Public health inspection of SFVs was found to be the most effective way of improving FSHAP among SFVs. The study recommends regular inspections of SFVs by public health officials to enhance compliance with food hygiene and safety standards and regulations governing the street food sector as well as scheduled training on food safety and hygiene targeting all categories of street food vendors.