Assessment of Risk Factors of Bacteriological Contamination of Vegetables Sold on the Markets of Niamey, Niger

Abstract

Vegetables are an important and varied source of food that complements the dietary needs of populations whose basic diet consists mainly of carbohydrates, the main energy source. The general aim of this study is to identify the risk factors for bacteriological contamination of vegetables associated with sales practices, through a survey of sales markets. Vegetable sales are carried out by men (87.59%), most of them are aged between 20 and 39 (68.70%) and are not educated (68.70%). Practices at risk of bacteriological contamination include using public toilets (80.87%), not washing hands with soap after using the toilet (36.56%), washing vegetables at the reception (39.13%), using water from public toilets (55.56%), displaying vegetables on unhygienic supports (60.00%), selling vegetables by the side of public roads (55.65%) or near open canals (4.35%). These practices are likely to result in bacteriological contamination of vegetables on the markets. Therefore, it seems much more necessary to training vegetable vendors and raise their awareness of the risks of bacteriological contamination of vegetables.