Assessment Of The Status Of Food Control In The Informal Food Markets In Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Food control is a crucial factor in assuring public health and must be applied consistently along the entire food value chain for the protection of public health. Informal food markets, despite their role in food security, raise concerns relating to safety and quality of food sold, and they have been associated with food borne illnesses. This study sought to assess the factors that affect food control in the informal food markets in Nairobi, Kenya and give recommendations for the improvement of informal food trade. A descriptive cross-sectional survey with observational aspects was carried out in purposely selected informal food markets in Nairobi. The Fischer’s formula was used to draw a sample of n=370 respondents who provided quantitative and quantitative data through interviewer-led questionnaires, focus group discussion and key informant interviews. More data was collected from desk research on the various food laws and regulations and from observations of the market structures, arrangement, and hygiene status. Analysis of data revealed that 72% of food vendors operate in non-designated markets that proliferated out of convenience to be near the buyers and be able to operate long hours. The non-designated markets however lacked requisite infrastructure and utilities that support the practice of proper hygiene, such requisites including but not limited to toilets, market wash areas, running potable water, disposal of waste and proper food storage and preservation facilities. Enforcement of law and regulations was low despite well-established laws; activities of which were reduced to limited market visits by public health officers. The study revealed that 77% of the traders had no awareness of food safety hazards nor the existence of food laws and regulations. Lack of collaboration among the various regulatory bodies along the food value chains and the county governments left gaps that could be exploited by unscrupulous traders to infiltrate compromised foods and produce in the informal food markets. It was concluded that food control in the informal food markets was not effective owing to the challenges of market infrastructure, lack of awareness among traders, low regulatory activity, and uncoordinated regulatory and government vii efforts. Expanding and improving market facilities, creating food safety awareness among food business operators, collaboration among regulatory authorities, county governments and other stakeholders were some of the recommendations given to improve food control in the informal food markets.