Factors Influencing Food Safety and Hygiene Practices among Food Vendors in the Bibiani-Anwhiaso-Bekwai Municipality.

<ns3:p>Background Food safety is a major public health concern, particularly in developing countries where inadequate hygiene practices among street food vendors contribute to foodborne illnesses. In Ghana, street-vended foods remain a common source of meals for many households, necessitating regular assessment of vendors’ food hygiene and safety practices. Objective This study assessed food hygiene and safety practices among street food vendors in the Bibiani–Anhwiaso–Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region of Ghana. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed involving 152 street food vendors selected through purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and observational checklists. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 15. Descriptive statistics summarized socio-demographic characteristics and hygiene practices. Chi-square tests were used to examine associations between socio-demographic factors and hygiene practices, while binary logistic regression identified predictors of good food hygiene and safety practices. Results Most vendors were female (93.4%) and married (61.8%). Awareness of food hygiene was high (92.1%). Only 56.6% of vendors had undergone medical screening, 53.3% had received food hygiene training, and 53.9% had been inspected within the past six months. Observational findings indicated that while most vendors washed foodstuffs before cooking (86.2%) and maintained clean surroundings (84.2%), some did not use aprons or hair coverings (17.8%), operated in unhygienic environments (21.7%), or lacked valid medical certificates (27.0%). Significant associations were found between hygiene practices and educational level, prior food hygiene training, and municipal health inspections (p &lt; 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that food hygiene training and regular inspections significantly increased the likelihood of practicing safe food handling. Conclusion Despite high awareness of food hygiene, adherence to recommended hygiene and safety practices among street food vendors remains suboptimal. Strengthening food hygiene training, enhancing regulatory enforcement, and improving environmental sanitation are essential to improve food safety and protect public health. Recommendation The government of Ghana and MMDAs should establish the pre-requisite standard operating procedures for all institutions undertaking hospitality regarding food safety and hygiene.</ns3:p>