Abstract:
Introduction
Street food is a significant cultural practice in Malaysia. This study assessed the microbial quality of street food in Kuala Lumpur and assessed the food safety knowledge and practice of street food vendors.
Methods
This study used a cross-sectional study design. The study was carried out in 3 street-vending areas. Street food samples that met the selection criteria was selected via simple random sampling; microbial counts on samples was conducted; food safety knowledge questionnaire was used to determine the food safety knowledge among the respondents; food safety observation checklist was used to determine the food handling practices of respondents.
Results
Street food that exceeded the safe limit of aerobic plate count, coliform, S. aureus, E. coli, B. cereus and Salmonella were 70%, 60%, 40%, 3%, 3%, and 0%, respectively. Among respondents, 60% scored Grade A in food safety knowledge while 63% had a satisfactory food safety practice. No association was found among food safety knowledge, practice, sociodemographic factors and microbial quality of street food.
Conclusion
Majority of the street food violated the safe limits of aerobic plate count and coliform despite most respondents demonstrating satisfactory food safety knowledge and practice. These findings bear potential implications for microbial hazards prevention and food safety policies intervention.
Key words: Street food, food safety, bacterial contamination
