HYGIENIC-SANITARY CONDITIONS IN OPEN-AIR MARKETS AND PUBLIC MARKETS IN RECIFE, PERNAMBUCO, BRAZIL: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Public markets and street fairs represent important channels for the commercialization of fresh natural foods; however, they often present inadequacies regarding hygienic-sanitary conditions. This study aimed to evaluate these conditions in street fairs and public markets in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, while also outlining the sociodemographic profile of vendors. A quantitative and descriptive survey was conducted in Sanitary District V, using a checklist based on ANVISA RDC nº 216/2004 and a sociodemographic questionnaire. The sample included 65 vendors over 18 years of age. Results revealed a predominantly female profile (52.3%), aged 40-50 years (38.5%), self-declared Black (38.5%), and with low education levels - 36.9% had incomplete elementary education and 6.2% were illiterate. Income ranged between 1-2 minimum wages (52.3%), with vending being the primary income source for 90.8%. Sanitary assessment demonstrated serious non-compliances: Mustardinha and Areias fairs showed 0.0% compliance (equivalent to 100% non-compliance), Afogados 1 and Afogados 2 registered 6.9% and 3.4% compliance, respectively. Afogados 3 showed the best performance, with 20.7% compliance. Binary logistic regression identified market location (OR = 3.24; 95% CI: 1.82-5.78; p = 0.002) and vendor education level (OR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.23-3.84; p = 0.008) as significant predictors of non-compliance. Critical problems included the absence of adequate sanitary facilities, lack of refrigeration for perishable foods, presence of animals in sales areas, and inadequate waste management. Urgent interventions are required through public policies encompassing physical restructuring, continuous training for food handlers, and strengthened inspection actions to ensure food safety and protect population health.