Microbial Load Assessment of Street-Vended Foods and Utensils in Selected Markets of Islamabad

Microbial Load Assessment of Street-Vended Foods and Utensils

Abstract

Background: Street-vended foods have become a considerable part of the urban food culture. In Islamabad, street-food vending not only represents the showcase of multiple culinary cultures, but it also proves to be a major source of nutrition that is affordable for everyone. However, their popularity does not eradicate the potential risks they pose to public health which is due to the possibly contaminated environments in which they are prepared and served. A significant contributor of contamination in these foods and serving utensils is the poor sanitary conditions.

Objectives: The main purpose of this study conducted is to assess the microbial contamination load (due to various contributing factors) on both food and utensils in different sectors of Islamabad including H-8, I-8, G-6, G-9, F-6 and F-7, where street-food is popularly sold.

Methods: Before collecting the samples and completing the observational survey, Informed consent was taken from all the vendors . Standard microbiological techniques were employed, including homogenization, preparation of serial dilution, determination of total viable count via the pour-plate method, bacterial isolation using quadrant streaking on MacConkey agar and blood agar, Gram staining, and biochemical identification through Catalase, Oxidase, Indole and Coagulase tests. Results were statistically analyzed to conclude findings in terms of percentages.

Results: Significant microbial contamination was reported in both street-foods as well as utensils which was primarily due to inadequate hygiene practices and lack of compliance to guidelines. Regression analysis demonstrated a non-significant association between hygiene compliance score and microbial load (P=0.192), suggesting that hygiene practices were not independent predictors of contamination level in this study.

Conclusions: Limited food safety knowledge and lack of regulatory oversight highlight the urgent need for providing vendors with appropriate facilities and improved surveillance to protect public health.