Evaluation of Food Safety and Knowledge of Finger Food Vendors Along With Their Socio-economic Conditions in Mysore City, India

Amrutha M. B., Dr. Udayashankara T. H.

Abstract: A survey was carried out in Mysore city to evaluate the food safety and knowledge of finger food vendors along with their socio-economic conditions and water quality. A total of 62 vendors from two study areas were selected for the survey. It was observed that majority of them were fast food and chat vendors. The average daily income of the finger food vendors were between Rs.200 to Rs.1000. It was also noted that there was high level of total coliforms (1100 MPN/100ml) and fecal coliforms (1100 MPN/100ml) in bottled and tap water supplied by the vendors. No vendors new about the Food Safety and Standard Act and also about licensing and registration process. Thus there is a need for regular quality check of the food and drinking water provided by the vendors and also need of proper training for finger food vendors.

Keywords: Finger food, Finger food vendor, Mysore city, Microbiological quality of water