Assessment of the Microbial Contamination of Delivery Boxes of Food Delivery Personnel in Accra

Food delivery services have contributed to the food security of its patrons by making ready-to-eat food more accessible. However, sanitary conditions under which food is delivered can threaten this security. This study evaluated the delivery boxes' microbial contamination as an index of hygiene compliance of the delivery personnel. Swaps were taken from the delivery boxes of twenty (20) conveniently sampled food delivery personnel at the beginning and the end of the week. The microbial contamination of the boxes was determined using standard methods. The cleanliness of the boxes was qualitatively evaluated with the aid of an observation guide. The mean ranges of total aerobic count (5.61 – 6.03 LogCFU/cm<sup>2</sup>), coliforms (5.23 – 6.33 LogCFU/cm<sup>2</sup>), <i>Escherichia coli</i> (3.00 – 3.60 LogCFU/cm<sup>2</sup>) and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (3.00 – 3.554 LogCFU/cm<sup>2</sup>) counts were higher than the acceptable safe limits. The microbial loads were lower at the beginning of the week than at the end of the week; however, the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The microbes identified were indicative of human and faecal contamination and poor hygiene by the personnel. The delivery boxes sampled are unsanitary for food transportation, therefore, training and regulatory enforcement are vital to improve hygienic compliance of the food delivery personnel and to ensure consumer protection.