The existence of total coliform and e.coli bacteria in water used by street hawkers in Melaka Tengah district in mixing with the various flavour of drinking water / Norhidayah Morsad

Food safety is a key public health concern, because a large number of people take their meals outside the home and are exposed to food borne illnesses. Food handlers play an important role in ensuring food safety throughout the chain of storage, processing production, preparation and retailing. The objective of this study is to determine the relationship of hygiene practices and food safety knowledge among the streets hawkers in Melaka Tengah District with the existence of total coliform and E.coli bacteria in the water that they use in mixing with the various flavor of drinking water selling by them. A cross sectional study was conducted among the street hawkers in Melaka Tengah District. A total of 31 (n=31) street hawkers were selected using non­ probability sampling technique. Data were collected by face to face interview using a structured questionnaire. Result showed that not all water samples have been contaminated with the total coliform and E.coli bacteria. Findings of this study may help in planning health intervention programs for food handlers for their improvement of knowledge, attitude and practice towards food-borne diseases and food safety. Furthermore, this will reduce the morbidity and mortality of food-borne diseases if the early stage of precaution is taken in reducing the diseases by increasing the level of awareness and knowledge on food safety among the streets hawkers.