Hygiene practices among vendors selling fruits and vegetables on streets of Gqeberha, South Africa
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study investigates the food hygiene practices of informal vendors selling fresh produce (fruit and vegetables) in the informal market in Gqeberha. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire and an observational checklist from all vendors (n=150). Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression models were used to analyse the data using SPSS (version 29.0). Significance was assessed at p-value <0.05. The majority of vendors were females (n=145; 96.66%), and half (n=75; 50%) had not completed high school. Almost all vendors (n=141; 94%) had not received food safety training. Most vendors (65%) scored low on hygiene practices and were classified as high risk. Vendors who had not received training on food safety and handling practices had higher odds [AOR = 7.47; 95% CI: (1.49–37.39); p=0.014] of being classified as high risk. Vendors considered to be non-South Africans were significantly more likely [AOR = 0.189, 95% CI (0.054–0.661), p=0.009] to be classified as high risk than South African vendors. The observed low numbers of vendors adopting good hygiene practices is a public health concern. The identified risk factors should be considered by relevant authorities when designing interventions to improve the safety of fresh produce sold in the informal market.
Source: Cogent Food & Agriculture
Institution: University of South Africa
Language: English
Topic: Food Safety and Hygiene
Subfield: Food Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Funder: University of South Africa
OpenAlex ID: W7172291235