Introduction Katherine 1 1
Introduction Katherine 1 1
Tangub City
Presented to the
In Partial Fulfillment
INTRODUCTION
Food safety refers to the proper handling, preparation, and storage of food
infections. Food safety is a global topic that affects many aspects of daily life.
The concepts of food safety are intended to keep food from being contaminated
channels, some of which include: Properly cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces,
and handling protocols, but there are additional considerations. Safe food items
protect businesses and stakeholders from expensive fines and legal action. Fines
societal concern. Food safety issues persist in the Philippines. For example,
ingestion of tainted fish products has already resulted in various food-borne
besides the wellbeing of the people, the general functionality of societies. Safe
food ensures the absence of cases of foodborne illnesses; a challenge that has
remained at the forefront of public health issues all over the world. The World
Health Organization puts forward that unsafe food keeps the health of people
under risk and has been associated with more than 200 diseases ranged from
addressing food safety challenges will be crucial for public health and reduced
that is quick to produce and consume, making it the go-to option for street
vendors. While some items are cooked right away, others are sold already
prepared. Although street food is frequently associated with filth, this is mostly an
issue with unregistered sellers. Even while most street food is not very healthy, it
is nonetheless convenient, and the meals, together with the carts and equipment
of the vendors, are an integral part of the urban environment. Although there are
many different kinds of street food in the Philippines, these are some favorites
that are available practically everywhere (WordPress, 2017). The primary risk
contamination from dust, smoke, heavy metals, pesticides, bacteria, and viruses
having far-reaching implications for the individual, economic, and global trading
conditions. Even as fewer burdens of food-borne illnesses are realized, there will
always be the need for improvement in food security through more advanced
The relevance of safe street food is highlighted by its role in urban nutrition,
of these goods poses significant health hazards due to sellers' poor hygiene
measures. Addressing these challenges is critical for public health and the long-
(Kumar, 2024).
While several studies have looked into food safety standards and
cleanliness compliance among street food sellers in cities, there is little research
and actions connect to consumer health outcomes in these situations. This study
fills a vacuum by looking into food safety awareness, hygiene compliance, and
the health implications for rural consumers, giving localized insights to help drive
This study aims to assess street food vendors' knowledge of food safety,
their compliance with hygiene standards, and the impact of their practices on
and adherence to food safety guidelines, the research will identify potential
benefiting both vendors and the public by reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses
This study is based on the Philippine Food Safety Act of 2013 (Republic Act
No. 10611), which establishes the national standards for food safety and
prevent foodborne illnesses and protect public health. By using these standards
as a foundation, this study will assess the compliance of street food vendors in
Tangub City with national food safety protocols. The framework assumes that
foodborne diseases, thereby ensuring safer food for the public. This evaluation
will provide insights into the vendors' food safety practices and the effectiveness
The Food Safety Act of 2013 (FSA), also known as Republic Act No.
govern food safety in the Philippines. The rules aim to preserve a farm-to-fork
food safety regulatory framework that guarantees a high standard of food safety,
encourages fair trade, and boosts the competitiveness of Philippine food and
food workers must maintain personal hygiene. Before starting work, employees
must have a valid health certificate from their local health authority. Food
handlers are expected to maintain high levels of personal cleanliness at all times,
including wearing clean work clothes. Cooks are obliged to wear prescribed
caps, while female personnel must use caps or hairnets to keep their hair
controlled. Furthermore, before beginning work and after using the restroom,
hands must be thoroughly washed with soap and water and dried with a clean or
are critical for food safety and reducing the danger of contamination (Republic
Act, 2015).
fabricated, and installed in a manner that ensures ease of cleaning and does not
piping and fixtures is strictly prohibited. Surfaces that come into contact with food
cabinets with sliding doors, these doors should be easily cleanable and
removable, with runners at the ends to allow for the removal of dust and debris.
1975). These standards ensure that all equipment and utensils contribute to a
systematic control, reduction, and proper disposal of waste produced during food
preparation, serving, and consumption. It includes activities like recycling,
health problems (Hygiene Group, 2022). Street food vendors can improve their
materials and cooked food under optimal conditions to extend their shelf life,
maintain food quality, and prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms. Proper
food storage helps retain the nutritional content and overall value of food while
reducing waste caused by spoilage. Each food item and raw material has a
specific maximum shelf life, which is determined by how well it can endure
storage under ideal conditions. Ensuring proper storage minimizes the risk of
Common pests, including cockroaches, ants, birds, beetles, weevils, flies, and
rodents, pose significant health risks and can lead to food contamination and
facility damage (The Food Safety Company, 2016). The Sanitation Code of the
implement effective pest control measures to prevent the presence of vermin and
ensure a clean and safe environment. This includes maintaining cleanliness,
adhering to these practices, food businesses not only comply with legal
requirements but also protect public health, prevent financial losses, and foster
free environment is crucial for ensuring food safety and sustaining the success of
                                    Food Sanitation
                                      Standards
Demographic                            Personal
Profile                                 Hygiene of Food                 Propose
     Age                               Handlers                     Enhancement
     Sex                              Sanitation of              Program for Food
     Education                         Equipment and               Vendors Food
      Level                             Utensils                   Safety Practices
     Type of Food                     Food Storage                in Tangub City
      Sold                             Waste
                                        Management
                                       Pest Control
food vendors in Tangub City, including age, gender, educational level, and type of
food sold, to understand their background and practices. It examines key aspects
and pest control. By analyzing these factors through data collection and
  evaluation, the study aims to identify gaps and areas for improvement in food
safety practices. The expected output is a proposed enhancement program
designed to improve the food safety practices of street food vendors, ensuring
City.
Statement of Problem
This study aims to assess food safety and public health practices of street
food vendors in Labuyo, Tangub City, and their compliance with the food safety
standards set by the Philippine Food Safety Act of 2013 and the Sanitation Code
of the Philippines.
1. What is the demographic profile of the street food vendors in Labuyo, Tangub
1.1 Age
1.2 Sex,
2. What is the level of compliance of street food vendors with the food sanitation
respondents in terms of the level of compliance of street food vendors with the
vendor food, consumers will gain access to safer and healthier food options in
Tangub City.
food safety at the grassroots level can use the study's findings to lobby for better
Local Government and Health Authorities. The findings will give important
information on how street food vendors currently handle food sanitation. By using
this data, more efficient training programs, monitoring systems, and policies may
be created to guarantee that food safety laws are followed, thus preserving the
public's health.
Researchers and Academics. This study will add to the growing corpus of
in rural and urban areas. This study can be expanded upon by future researchers
to examine more facets of food safety, sanitation procedures, and their wider
Street Food Vendors. The study will raise awareness among vendors about the
importance of food safety practices and how these can impact the health of their
practices, which can enhance their business reputation and attract more
customers.
safety regulations delineated in the Philippine Food Safety Act of 2013 and the
Sanitation Code of the Philippines. The study focuses specifically on street food
vendors in Tangub City and does not cover restaurants or other types of food
establishments. A limitation of the study is that it only examines vendors who are
operating in the informal sector, and it does not assess whether these vendors
are officially registered or possess the necessary permits required by local health
authorities. Furthermore, the study does not differentiate between vendors based
snacks), which may have varying sanitation and regulatory requirements. These
limitations may impact the generalizability of the findings, as the study only
Definition of Terms
For clarification, the important terms used in the study were defined;
storage.
Food Handling Practices. This refers to the steps used in the preparation,
cooking, and serving of food; these include handling food properly, cooking to the
Food sanitation. This refers to the Philippine Food Safety Act of 2013 and
the Sanitation Code of the Philippines, is the use of sanitary procedures and
practices during food handling, preparation, storage, and serving with the goal of
Pest control. This refers to the steps taken to keep rats, insects, and other
pests out of places used for food preparation so that food is safe to eat.
making sure all surfaces, utensils, and instruments used in food preparation and
food waste, and other byproducts in a way that keeps the environment clean and
This chapter presents related literature and studies that the researchers
have come across. This will help not only the researchers in gaining new insights
but also afford them a better and more understanding of the whole study.
Related Literature
Filipino street food, which includes dishes like siomai, fishballs, and kwek-
kwek, is a vital part of the nation's culture. However, street vendors frequently
lack the necessary skills and training to handle food safely and hygienically
2023). Addressing sanitary concerns and giving sellers the tools and training they
need to guarantee food safety and quality are essential to improving the street
food experience. This comprehensive strategy can improve street food's standing
Individual food ingredients and pollutants are the main focus of food safety.
not only result in saving lives but also contribute to long-term reductions in
illnesses and injuries, public health practices use scientific knowledge to improve
procedures are made to help the community from which data is collected
The Food Safety Act of 2013, also known as RA 10611, "An Act to
Consumer Health and Facilitate Market Access of Local Foods and Food
Products and for Other Purposes," lays out the specific requirements for FDC
governed by Republic Act No. 10611, the Food Safety Act of 2013, which aims to
ensures high standards of food safety, promotes fair trade, and enhances the
(Presidential Decree No. 856) and its implementing rules, which outline sanitation
regulations for novel food, general food safety laws apply (Sato & Villarica,
2022).
       According to Nkosi and Tabit (2021) in their study titled "The Food Safety
Knowledge of Street Food Vendors and the Sanitary Conditions of Their Street
Food Vending Environment in the Zululand District, South Africa," the findings
revealed that only a small portion (47%) of street food vendors had completed
high school, and the majority (77%) had not received any formal food safety
training. Overall, a significant number of vendors (76%) exhibited low food safety
knowledge, and only 14% of the vending sites were highly compliant with
sanitary standards. The study concludes that most street food vending setups
pose a food safety risk to consumers, primarily due to inadequate food safety
recommended that authorities adopt a food stall or caravan system in areas with
proper sanitation facilities and use licensing and permits to enforce food safety
compliance. Additionally, both street food vendors and health inspectors should
and handling practices of street food vendors in Cagayan de Oro City from April
to May 2014, data were gathered from 50 vendors using a questionnaire with 26
items. The results revealed that only a small percentage of vendors (22%) had
received formal training in food preparation, and just 30% possessed an annual
their vending locations. The study recommends providing training on hygiene and
sanitation, as well as improving basic infrastructure for the street food industry.
the sanitation practices of street food vendors and their customers using a
descriptive research design. The majority of the vendors were between 30 and
married, and had more than ten years of experience in street food vending,
typically dedicating four to eight hours each day to their activities. Most vendors
reported attending little to no food safety and sanitation training, with some
having participated in only one to four training sessions. The findings indicated
a strong correlation between the vendors' profiles and their sanitation practices
Decree No. 856 (Sanitation Code of the Philippines), including the layout and
utensils, and the storage of freshly cleaned utensils. However, food storage and
garbage disposal practices were found to have only moderate compliance with
the standards outlined in the Sanitation Code. Overall, the food establishment at
RESEARCH METHODOLGY
of the study.
Research Design
This study will utilize a descriptive quantitative research design. The goal
than addressing the why of the research challenge, it assists in addressing the
what, when, where, and how questions (Dovetail Editorial Team, 2023).
Research Environment
The study will take place in Tangub City, located in the Misamis
Occidental region of Northern Mindanao, Philippines. This city is known for its
vibrant street food culture, which plays a significant role in providing both locals
and tourists with a major source of nutrition. The street food industry is an
essential part of Tangub City's economy and daily life, contributing to the local
food system and attracting visitors who seek authentic, affordable culinary
ideal location for assessing the food sanitation practices of street food vendors
Research Respondents
The respondents of this study will consist of 382 active customers who
regularly purchase street food in Tangub City. These customers will be selected
through a stratified sampling method, which ensures diversity within the sample
and experiences related to street food vending in the area. The required sample
size for the study was calculated using the Rao Soft Sample Size Calculator.
level and a 5% margin of error, the minimum sample size needed is 382
respondents. This calculation ensures that the study’s findings will be statistically
Research Instruments
The researchers will use the Likert Scale for the survey questionnaire to
acquire relevant data from respondents, the researchers will administer a survey
pilot test will help the researchers to identify any difficulties with the questions,
improve their clarity, and guarantee that the questionnaire accurately measures
the intended components. For survey replies, a 4-point Likert scale will be
Range Scale
compliance.
standards.
safety measures.
To gather data for this study, the researchers will first obtain permission from
Management and then seek approval from the street food vendors in Tangub
City through a formal letter. Using a purposive sampling method, vendors will be
collection tool, and it will be refined through expert validation and a pilot test to
ensure clarity and reliability. Once consent is secured, the researchers will
the researchers will also conduct on-site observations to supplement the survey
data with qualitative insights into the vendors' food handling, storage, and
sanitation practices. After collecting the completed questionnaires, the data will
be compiled, tabulated, and analyzed using statistical tools to identify trends and
The researcher uses the following statistical tools to provide a more accurate
1. Simple Percentage. This statistical tool is used in describing the profile of the
P=F/N(100)
WM=∑FW/N
Where:
W = Assigned weight
This study will utilize the Pearson r correlation coefficient to analyze the
the strength and direction of the linear relationship between continuous variables,
perceptions or health outcomes. The use of Pearson r ensures that the analysis
captures the degree to which these variables are associated, providing a clear
Food Safety and Public Health Practices of Street Food Vendors in Labuyo,
Age
Below 20
21-30
31-40
41-50
51 and above
Sex:
Male
Female
Occupation:
Please indicate your level of compliance with the following food safety practices
4 3 2 1
4 3 2 1
4 3 2 1
products.
                                                  4      3          2        1
                                                (AC)   (OC)   (RC)   (NC)
4 3 2 1
 discourage pests.
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