- From the sizzling suya snack in Abuja to the aromatic jollof rice in Lagos, street food has become an integral part of Nigerian life.
- However, beneath these enticing flavours lies a critical question of public safety and health regulation.
- Other studies have focused on the microbiological safety of street foods (for example, soy wara, a Nigerian curdled soy milk product), and the risk factors in street food practices.
- While street food vendors provide affordable and accessible meals, the lack of regulation poses significant health risks.
Why street food can be unsafe
- Inadequate access to clean water, inappropriate waste disposal, temperature abuse and lack of food safety knowledge are common challenges seen among street food vendors.
- Generally, street food preparation in Nigeria mirrors traditional approaches to food preparation at home.
- Similarly, many street food vendors operate in less than perfect environments for food processing: many street food vendor stands have flies, rodents and open waste bins which are risk factors for the contamination of foods.
Checking unsafe practices
A multifaceted approach to these issues must be adopted.
Training: First, basic food safety training for vendors is crucial. This training should cover essential hygiene practices, safe food handling and storage procedures. It can be done through local health departments and community organisations. This recommendation draws on established principles of hygiene and safe food handling. Continuous training on food safety has proved effective in promoting food safety.
- This requires a balance between ensuring public health and not stifling the livelihoods of the vendors.
- Supplying vendors with hygienic materials has proved to be valuable for preserving and enhancing food safety in low- and middle-income nations.
Inspection: Regular inspections should be conducted to ensure compliance with these regulations. These should not be punitive but rather supportive, helping vendors to meet the required standards. A food hygiene rating scheme should be put in place to identify vendors complying with food safety standards as this could motivate them to improve their sanitary conditions.
Awareness: Public awareness also plays a vital role. Consumers should be educated about the importance of food safety and how to identify vendors who adhere to hygiene standards. Consumer awareness can create a demand for safer practices, encouraging vendors to comply with regulations.
Research and development: Finally, research and collaboration with food scientists and public health experts can lead to innovative solutions that are tailored to the Nigerian context. For instance, exploring low-cost preservation techniques or developing mobile apps for health inspection ratings could revolutionise the way street food is regulated.
Regulations will save lives and livelihoods
Regulating street food in Nigeria is not just about preventing disease; it is about preserving a way of life in a safe and sustainable manner. At the heart of this issue are the vendors and consumers, whose lives and well-being are interconnected with the very essence of street food culture.
Helen Onyeaka does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
