Assessing urban street food safety among youth: The impact of road dust on potential microbial contamination risks to student health

• Elevated levels of Coliform and E. coli were detected in street food samples indicating severe food contamination risks. • A significant correlation was established between air pollution indicators (PM2.5, PM1.0, PM10) and microbial contamination in street food. • 77% of surveyed students expressed strong concerns regarding street food safety and air quality, underscoring the urgency for improved regulations. • Despite the contamination risks, social and cultural factors drive students' continued consumption of street food, emphasizing the complexity of addressing food safety issues. • The study advocates for stricter regulatory oversight and targeted educational programs to raise public awareness and promote safer street food practices. This study investigates the potential impact of air pollution on street food safety within educational environments, highlighting how airborne pollutants contribute to the microbial contamination of food, beverages, and environmental dust. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining microbial analyses with a survey of 200 students using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to assess attitudes, social pressures, and control over food safety practices. The findings reveal significant contamination levels: dust samples showed Coliform and E. coli concentrations of 3 × 10³ CFU/g and 2 × 10³ CFU/g, respectively, while food samples exhibited even higher microbial loads, with Coliform levels reaching 6.4 × 10⁶ CFU/g and E. coli up to 1 × 10⁴ CFU/g. SPSS 20 analysis reflects substantial concerns among students regarding the safety of street foods, emphasizing the need for increased public awareness. By establishing a clear link between air pollution and the microbial risks associated with street food, the study advocates for enhanced consumer education and regulatory measures to mitigate health risks and protect public health.