Evaluation of Food Hygiene and Sanitation Practices Among Street Food Vendors in Onitsha Main Market, Anambra State

Street food vending is a major component of urban food systems in Nigeria, providing affordable meals to millions of low-income consumers daily. However, concerns about food hygiene and safety persist, particularly in high-traffic commercial areas. This study evaluated food hygiene and sanitation practices among street food vendors in Onitsha Main Market, Anambra State, South East Nigeria. A descriptive research design was used, with structured observation checklists and questionnaires administered to 150 food vendors selected through purposive sampling. Data were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, and chi-square statistics. Findings revealed that the majority of vendors lacked access to potable water at their vending points and did not consistently use protective clothing such as gloves and hairnets. Cross-contamination risks were high, as raw and cooked foods were frequently stored in proximity. Most vendors had not undergone any formal food safety training, and regulatory inspections were reportedly infrequent. Vendors with higher levels of formal education demonstrated relatively better hygiene practices. The study recommends that the Anambra State Consumer Protection Council, in collaboration with local government health officers, implement mandatory food handler training programmes and establish portable hygiene facilities at major market locations. These findings support ongoing discussions around food safety regulation in Nigeria's informal food economy. Keywords: food hygiene, street food vendors, sanitation, Onitsha, food safety