Nutritional and Consumers Behavior towards Street Foods

Abstract

Street foods plays vital role for low and middle income group of urban peoples of developing countries, street foods meets food and nutritional requirements at very affordable prices for peoples all over the world. Mostly street foods are unhealthy foods, which is increased by high risk of contamination through physical, chemical and biological components which occurs a grave concern in the form of food safety and security. Street foods are nutritionally rich and these are rich source of carbohydrates and fats, eating which increases the risk of chronic non communicable diseases. Street foods may the increases risk of foodborne illnesses, which is the reason of food contamination through the microorganisms and so that food poisoning are developed. Due to lack of facilities, cheap raw materials, also lack of education and insufficient knowledge (GMP) of street food handlers, can cause foodborne diseases and chronic non-communicable diseases, and with which strongly influence on Food Safety, Nutritional Value and  health of school children’s and all  urban peoples of developing countries. To troubleshoot all these problems proper health authorities should regulate the marketing of street food products and start a proper training program for the urban street food handlers and school based street food handlers, which is related to food safety, food security, foodborne diseases and non communicable diseases. In addition, the inclusion of food safety and food security in school courses will provide opportunities for all peoples and school children’s to becomes aware about food safety, food security and nutrition. however, street foods are oftentimes an unhealthy diet and notwithstanding, street foods meet peoples dietary needs. Street food vending have occurred a vital public health issues and a major consideration to everybody. The objective of this study to describe nutritional issues of street foods to the diet, Nutritional Value of Street Foods, consumers eating habits and its impact on Health. It is necessary that, the standards suggested by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and WHO should be included, to contribute to nutritional security of street foods and public health.