Abstract:

Street food is vital in global culture’s economic, social, and nutritional aspects. However, as is typical among developing countries, various factors combine to compromise the safety of these foods, leaving residents susceptible to exceptionally high levels of microbial contamination. Chief among the numerous approaches and steps developed and employed to improve this situation is a clear understanding of the existing and potential extents of pathogens found in street foods. This is particularly true in jurisdictions like Guyana, where street food vending is unregulated. Therefore, this study investigated the microbiological safety of night street foods in the Demerara-Mahaica region of Guyana, focusing on contamination levels and demographic factors associated with street food contamination. Ninety food samples were collected and analyzed for Aerobic Plate Counts (APC), coliforms, and the presence of pathogens like Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus. The study found a high prevalence of unacceptable APC levels and a relatively low prevalence of unacceptable coliform limits. No Salmonella was detected, and S. aureus was found at minimal levels in one of the food samples. These findings, while indicating significant public health risks related to lapses in food handling, also point to the need to improve food safety through comprehensive interventions that reduce contamination risks and safeguard public health. Recommendations include establishing the regulatory authority for food safety, making food safety standards mandatory, improving vendor training, enhancing infrastructure, and improving access to clean, potable water.

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