Safety of street foods

Abstract A huge number of people worldwide consume street foods in some form every day as a part of their dining habits. Typically, street foods are sold on the street from temporary structures in open-air locations. Despite many potential advantages, street food is recognized to pose significant public health risks. Microbiological contamination is the most important health hazard associated with street foods, while the use of unpermitted chemical additives, pesticide residues, transmission of parasites, and environmental contamination have also been considered as other possible health risks. Ensuring the safety of street foods is an important public health priority. Awareness of the street food vendors as well as the consumers regarding the basic food safety principles and measures is essential. Moreover, institutional efforts and interventions, monitoring of street food regulations, and involving appropriate stakeholders are required to accomplish street food safety initiatives.