Compliance to Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures: An Evaluation of Street Food Handlers in Dipolog City, Philippines

AUTHOR(S)

Kristine Gladys E. Jambre & Maria Jyl P. Lagorra

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the sanitation practices of street vendors in compliance to Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures. Respondents were selected through random sampling and were asked to answer a validated dichotomous survey questionnaire. An ocular inspection was also conducted by the researchers. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis. Result of the study showed 82% of the food handlers believe that they are compliant to the Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP). Results of the ocular inspection suggest otherwise showing 82% of the food handlers are found to be non-compliant. This suggests that majority of the street food handlers lack sanitation awareness in food preparation, processing and handling thereby putting the consumers at risk of contracting food borne illnesses. It is recommended that existing sanitation laws and policies be fully implemented and constant monitoring and evaluation needs to be performed by the Sanitation Department to ensure full compliance to these existing laws.