Street Venders' Food Safety Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices and Consumers' Preference About Street Food Marketing in Chennai City

Abstract

Purpose-The purpose of a study on "Street Vendors' Food Safety Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices and Consumers' Preference About Street Food Marketing" typically revolves around several key objectives.The study would typically aim to inform public health efforts, regulatory policies, and the support structures needed for street vendors to improve food safety while meeting consumer demand. Design/methodology/approach-This study adopts a descriptive cross-sectional design to gather information on the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices of street vendors related to food safety. It also examines consumer preferences regarding street food marketing and their perceptions of food safety.This study adopts a descriptive cross-sectional design to gather information on the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices of street vendors related to food safety.A sample of approximately 150 street vendors and 150 consumers will be targeted for this study, providing a representative overview of the practices and preferences in Chennai’s Street food sector. Findings-Food Safety Knowledge Gaps: Many street vendors in Chennai have limited formal knowledge about food safety, with gaps in understanding key areas such as personal hygiene, food handling, and the risks of cross-contamination.Inconsistent Attitudes and Practices: Vendors generally express positive attitudes toward maintaining hygiene, understanding its importance for consumer health and business success. Originality/value-Underserved Research Area: Street food vending is a significant part of the informal economy, particularly in developing regions, but often lacks sufficient formal research. This study explores an area where academic and policy-focused research may be limited, making it a fresh and critical investigation. Focus on Food Safety in Informal Settings: While food safety is well-documented in formal food industries, there is less research on how informal vendors manage food safety. This study provides original insights into how these vendors understand and practice food safety without formal training or resources.