This study examined the general hygiene and sanitary practices of street food venders in Nigeria. 110
random samples of street food venders were selected to represent 18% of street food venders in the
study area. Data was collected using pre-test structured questionnaire and observation checklists. The
relationships in the factors studied were determined. Food venders lacked basic training on hygiene
and only 2.7% had formal training on food preparation. 63.6% acquired skills from parents while 33.7%
acquired skills by self practice. 44.5% of vendors used their mouths to blow air into polythene bags to
open, before using it to package foods for customers. 60.0% of the vendors prepared foods in unkempt
environment with flies around the foods. The study indicated absence of evidence of relationship
between venders’ education and vending location as well as between gender and personal hygiene.
This study largely suggested non-compliance with the Codex Alimentarius Commission guidelines for
street food control in Africa. The non regulation of street food vending business in Africa especially
Nigeria portends danger of outbreak of food poisoning