Assessment of Hygiene Practices Among Food Vendors in Elele Community of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State

Background: Street food vending is a vital economic activity in developing countries like Nigeria, providing affordable meals and livelihoods, yet it poses significant public health risks due to potential foodborne illnesses linked to poor hygiene practices. This study evaluated hygiene practices among street food vendors in Elele community, Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria, where food safety concerns are heightened due to inadequate sanitation and regulatory oversight. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing mixed methods (structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and observational checklists) to collect data from 190 street food vendors using probability sampling method. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with descriptive statistics computed to assess knowledge and hygiene practices. Results: Knowledge of food hygiene was high (88.9%), with strong recognition of microbial risks in raw meat (83.2%) and diarrheal disease transmission (90.5%). However, misconceptions persisted regarding canned food safety (48.4% awareness) and handling wounds during food preparation (52.6% correct). Vending sites exhibited satisfactory cleanliness, with 86.8% having clean floors and 88.9% using clean utensils, but 37.9% were near open gutters, 62.6% had pest presence, and 33.7% practiced irregular waste disposal. Hygiene practices showed inconsistencies: 93.8% always washed hands after toilet use, but only 16.9% consistently used aprons and head covers, and 60.3% cooked despite having wounds or infections. Conclusion: Food vendors, whether stationary or on the move, have a responsibility to the public's health while running their businesses. The study highlights the need for enhanced training, regular inspections, and stricter enforcement of food safety regulations to mitigate health risks and improve food hygiene in Elele’s street food sector.