The sanitary condition of food and drink establishments in Awash-Sebat Kilo town, Afar Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract This study was aimed to explore the status and factors affecting food hygiene practice among food and drink establishments using a descriptive cross-sectional study among all existing food establishments in Awash Sebat Kilo, Afar Region, in the month of December 2003. A total of 66 were studied, among which fifty (76%) of them were involved in rendering food and drink services. Sixty (91%) were found to use public water taps at the time of the study, while 52 (81%) were found to have some kind of latrines. Basic sanitary practices in liquid and refuse management, soiled dish and drinking cups washing were grossly inadequate in at least 25% of them. Personal hygiene of food handlers was observed in very poor status. It is concluded that the sanitary conditions of studied subjects required strict follow up for the provisions of sanitary codes. [Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2006;20(3):201-203]