Street vended foods in Nigeria: An analysis of the current state of affairs and the way forward

Abstract

This review article focuses on the safety of street-vended foods (SVFs) in Nigeria, a cultural phenomenon that has become a major source of income and nutrition for many, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite their popularity, SVFs have been associated with unsanitary practices and public health risks due to inadequate monitoring by government agencies and limited coverage in the National food safety policy documents. In this review, we examine the challenges faced by SVFs in Nigeria and recommend better collaboration between food safety stakeholders and the government to address these issues. We also suggest the passage of the Food Safety and Quality Bill (FSQB) as a solution to the gaps in the regulation of street foods and institutional reform of food safety management through the establishment of a National Food Safety Commission. By implementing these recommendations, we can ensure the safety of street-vended foods in Nigeria.

Keywords:

• street-vended foods
• street foods
• Food Safety
• Nigeria
• Food Safety Policy

Disclosure statement

We declare that we do not have any competing interest in publishing this manuscript.

Authors’ contributions

IMM developed the concept for this review. IMM, HA, EIN, CEO, IOO & ADO wrote the first draft of the manuscript. HO, ON, PT, and OAO proofread and edited the language. IMM revised the manuscript based on feedback from HO and OAO. OH supervised the project and critically revised the final manuscript. All authors contributed to the manuscript and approved the submitted version.

Abbreviations

SVFs: Street Vended Foods; SFVs: Street Food Vendors; IMCFS: Inter-Ministerial Committee on Food Safety; NFSMC: National Food Safety Management Committee; NPFSIS: National Policy on Food Safety & Implementation Strategy; NPFS: National Policy on Food Safety; FSQB: Food Safety & Quality Bill; FMoH: Federal Ministry of Health; FMITI: Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment; FMA&RD: Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development; FMST: Federal Ministry of Science & Technology; FMOE: Federal Ministry of Environment; MDAs: Ministries, Departments & Agencies; LGAs: Local Government Authorities; LGACs: Local Government Area Councils; NAFDAC: National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Council; NPHCDA: National Primary Health Care Development Agency; SON: Standard Organization of Nigeria; CCP: Codex Contact Point; NCC: National Codex Committee; CPC: Consumer Protection Council; NPQS: Nigeria Plant Quarantine Service; NBMA: National Biosafety Management Agency; NABDA: National Biotechnology Development Agency; NASC: National Agricultural Seeds Council; FBD: Food Borne Disease

Additional information

Funding

The authors have not received any funding.

Notes on contributors

Ifeanyi Michael Mazi

Ifeanyi Michael Mazi is a Microbiologist passionate about food safety and quality.

Helen Onyeaka

Dr. Helen Onyeaka is an associate professor in Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham, UK, with over 25 years’ experience.

Hope Akegbe

Hope Akegbe is a Microbiologist pursuing a PhD in Bioengineering.

Esther Ibe Njoagwuani

Esther Ibe Njoagwuani advocates for public health and food security.

Chidinma Ezinne Ochulor

Chidinma Ezinne Ochulor is a Certified Food Scientist with over 5 years’ experience.

Iyiola Olatunji Oladunjoye

Iyiola Oladunjoye is a One Health professional with expertise in global health challenges.

Adeola Dolapo Omotosho

Adeola Dolapo Omotosho is a Microbiologist with an MSc in Genetics.

Ogueri Nwaiwu

Dr. Ogueri Nwaiwu is a PCQI for human food safety.

Phemelo Tamasiga

Dr. Phemelo Tamasiga is a mathematical economist with experience in fintech.

Olumide A. Odeyemi

Dr. Olumide Odeyemi is a multidisciplinary research scientist focusing on food spoilage mechanisms and quality improvement.