Assessment of food safety and hygiene practices of street food vending units in urban and semi-urban areas of Puducherry

Background We aimed to assess the food safety and hygiene practices at street food vending units (SFVUs) in urban and semi-urban areas of Puducherry. Methods We did an observational assessment in two areas of Puducherry. We did a walk-through mapping and enumeration to identify active SFVUs. Later, through discrete non-participatory observations, we recorded various physical, environmental, food handling, vending and behavioural aspects involved in street food vending using a checklist. This was done at an optimal distance from the SFVUs, without the knowledge of the vendor. Results Of the 115 SFVUs enumerated, 102 units were active during observation visits; 52 in Lawspet (urban) and 50 in Villianur (semi-urban). None of these units displayed the licence or certification required under India's Food Safety and Standards Act. Only 29 (28.3%) of the units had dedicated handwashing facilities, and 50 (49%) had dustbins. All the units had separated raw foods from cooked foods. Other key characteristics such as maintenance of appropriate temperature to preserve foods, appropriate packaging materials, and cleaning methods, were less than satisfactory. Vendors involved in frequent unhygienic behaviours and practices, including frequent contact with food being served, body parts, cash and utensils, but in relatively fewer healthy behaviours such as handwashing or cleaning. Conclusion Street food vending and consumption were common and of unsatisfactory standards in urban and semi-urban parts of Puducherry.