Consumer s perception and knowledge concerning safety of street food services in Pantnagar, India

Food safety refers to the conditions and practices that protect the quality of food to prevent contamination and subsequent foodborne illnesses. Consumer’s food safety knowledge and practices determine their food choices and ultimately their health. The aim of the present study was to examine the knowledge of consumers and their perception concerning street food safety in Pantnagar. A survey was conducted on 70 consumers belonging to two sites namely hostels and markets, by using structured schedule containing 20 questions regarding the safety of street food services. Among the consumers, there was a lack of knowledge about food vehicles and etiologic agents associated with foodborne diseases and proper temperature of storage of cold and hot ready to eat foods. Educational level of consumers had the most significant effect on the knowledge of consumers regarding safe food handling practices with particular reference to safe ways to manage leftover food; bad habits that should not be practiced by food handlers; improper food handling can affect the food quality; contaminants that make food unsafe; and reasons of food spoilage. Results strongly emphasize the need for a properly designed food safety public education campaign, to enhance food safety awareness in consumers and thus prevent foodborne illnesses.