Exploring Food Hygiene Practices Among Street Food Vendors in Lusaka: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

The study explored food hygiene practices among street food vendors in Lusaka using a qualitative phenomenological design. The research aimed to assess food handling practices, evaluate vendors’ knowledge and perceptions regarding food hygiene and safety, and examine how access to clean water and sanitation facilities influenced hygiene practices. A total of 15 street food vendors were purposively selected from three major markets Soweto Market, City Market, and Kamwala Market. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that while 73% of the vendors practiced regular handwashing and 67% covered cooked food during display, only 40% consistently separated raw and cooked food items. Furthermore, 60% reported reusing cooking oil multiple times, and 53% stored food in open containers, exposing it to dust and flies. Access to clean water was a major challenge, with only 33% of the vendors having access to tap water near their vending area, while 40% depended on shared boreholes and 27% carried water from home. In terms of sanitation, 47% had access to public toilets, whereas 53% operated in areas without sanitation facilities. Regarding knowledge and perceptions, 80% of the participants had not received any formal training on food hygiene, relying instead on personal experience or advice from fellow vendors. Despite this, 67% expressed awareness that poor hygiene could lead to illness, although most associated cleanliness with attracting customers rather than preventing foodborne diseases. Environmental and infrastructural challenges, including poor waste disposal and limited regulatory oversight, contributed to inconsistent hygiene practices. Only 27% of the vendors reported having ever been inspected by health authorities. Consumer influence played a notable role, with 60% of vendors acknowledging that customers preferred purchasing from visibly clean stalls. The study concluded that improving food hygiene among street vendors in Lusaka required a multi-sectoral approach involving training, provision of clean water and sanitation facilities, and regular inspections. It recommended that the Lusaka City Council and Ministry of Health implement vendor training programs, install mobile handwashing stations, and strengthen enforcement of existing food safety regulations.