Hygiene knowledge and practices of night market food vendors in Tainan City, Taiwan

Night markets are a unique part of Taiwanese culture and are ideal places to visit to taste local delicacies. “Visiting night markets” not only has become a habit for local residents, but also a particular favorite for non-local tourists. Street food vending in the night markets has been increasing for several years but this growth presents public health challenges, with evidence of diarrheal diseases. Therefore, there are emerging needs for understanding the hygiene knowledge and practices of food vendors to ensure hygienic preparation of street foods. This empirical study can be used in understanding the current situation of food hygiene practices in tourist night markets and in exploring proper strategies for improving food safety at the markets.

► Poor hygienic practice of vendors were existing problems in Taiwan's night markets. ► The hygiene knowledge and practices of street food vendors should be improved. ► Food safety education courses should be encouraged and provided for vendors. ► GHP should be enforced by our government to such social problems.