Poor Handling of Food by Hawkers in Tamale Metropolis: A Call For Safety

In recent times, the bustling streets of Tamale, the capital of Ghana's Northern Region, have been marked by a concerning issue that demands immediate attention: the poor handling of food by street vendors.

This pressing matter has raised serious concerns about public health and safety, while the seemingly silent response from local authorities begs the question, should the public be concerned?

Amid the vibrant chaos of the Tamale Metropolis, street food vendors serve up a variety of delectable local dishes. These dishes, while popular and loved by many, come with a potential health risk due to the often unhygienic conditions under which they are prepared and served.

The lack of adequate sanitation and proper food handling practices has become a cause for concern.

According to the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), between 2013 and 2021, a total of 1,914 Ghanaians suffered from various forms of food poising

Out of the figure , FDA said 60 cases of them were food-borne disease outbreaks with a total of 36 deaths.

Food-borne diseases comprise a broad spectrum of diseases and accounts for a significant number of morbidity and mortality issues worldwide.

The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2015 reported that one in 10 people fall ill each year from eating contaminated food and 420,000 people die each year as a result.

Research also revealed that the prevalence of food-borne diseases varies vastly in different countries. In Africa, it is estimated that 92 million people fall ill from consuming contaminated foods, resulting in 137 000 deaths each year.

Doctor Abubakari Ibrahim, is a health expect, and tells me that the consequences of poor food handling are dire. "Contaminated food can lead to a range of illnesses, from food poisoning to more severe cases of bacterial infections".

In a region already grappling with healthcare challenges, the last thing anyone needs is an outbreak of foodborne diseases.

To that end, Dr. Ibrahim called for vigorous Public awareness to help minimize the situation. "Public awareness is crucial in addressing this issue. As consumers, we have a responsibility to be vigilant about the food we eat" he said

He advised the public to always opt for food vendors who maintain a clean and organized stall, and are visibly committed to hygiene.

He also urged the public to pay attention to how food is prepared and served, avoid places where food handlers do not use gloves, and where raw ingredients are not separated from cooked food.

While public awareness is vital, it is equally important for local authorities to play their role in ensuring that street vendors adhere to hygiene and safety standards.

Some concerned public, shared their frustrations , and called on the authorities to crack the whip when necessary to save the lives of people.

Iddrisu Zakaria, is a resident of Choggu Manayili, and he complained that on several occasions he had to be rushed to hospital after eating food he bought by the road.

Fuseini Isaah, another resident, lamented that most food sellers use their barehands in cutting foods for customers.

"Some of them use their barehands in cutting foods for us, the same hands they use in handling their children, phones and other stuffs" he said.

Issah Zuleiha, amother of three children, said she nearly lost her 3 year old baby girl after feeding her with 'Waache' she bought at a food joint.

"Hmmmm, my brother, the issue is serious, do you know I nearly lost my child for giving her food I bought from the road side

"The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly must be proactive in conducting regular inspections and implementing stringent regulations"

According to Wikipedia, "Poor food hygiene is when foods are not properly cooked, stored at the wrong temperature and get contaminated with bacteria. The practice of poor food hygiene can give rise to severe foodborne diseases that can adversely affect any food business"

Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) has shown that unsafe food is a global public health threat, with millions of people suffering from foodborne diseases each year.

This issue is not unique to Tamale but demands immediate action nonetheless.

In conclusion, the poor handling of food by street vendors in Tamale Metropolis is a matter of grave concern, not only for the health and safety of the public but also for the region's reputation.

As consumers, we must be vigilant, and as local authorities, we must ensure that food vendors adhere to hygiene standards.

The silent response from the authorities must change, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the food we consume is safe and hygienic. In the end, we all share the responsibility of safeguarding our health and well-being.