Characterizacion of informal food Sellers in the Villavicencio

Abstract

              5,000   In the city of Villavicencio, informal commerce has been a constant source of income for many families, resulting in a considerable growth in this work method. However, it has become evident that the sector faces serious challenges in terms of food hygiene. This poses a constant risk to public health. Several factors contribute to hygiene issues in the sector, including a lack of sanitary controls, improper handling of food, and the establishment of workstations in unsuitable locations, making it a recurring problem. This facilitates the contamination of food sold to consumers, as vendors often lack awareness of the various regulations and standards, which are not applied and exacerbate the situation. One of the main problems identified in the area is its proximity to a vacant lot, which is often used as an open toilet by local residents. This increases the likelihood of a high level of biological contamination in the environment, leading to the presence of bacteria and parasites that can spread through the air. The proliferation of pests such as rats, flies, and cockroaches is a contributing factor to the spread of these bacteria due to contact with work surfaces. This is evident because the food carts are usually present in the area until service is needed. One of the key factors contributing to the persistence of this problem is the lack of knowledge regarding hygiene and food handling among vendors. Consuming food prepared under inadequate conditions poses a risk to local residents. Among the most common illnesses reported are bacterial gastroenteritis (E. coli, salmonella). Due to this problem, consultations for these types of illnesses have increased in Villavicencio. This is linked to the consumption of these foods in the informal sector. The demographic profile revealed that the vendors are mostly Colombian nationals, young people under 25 years of age, and most have no education beyond secondary school. Their workdays extend beyond six days a week, highlighting their need for a steady income. The most commonly sold products are arepas and empanadas, accounting for 30.8% of sales in the analysis. These are followed by hamburgers at 23.1% and hot dogs at 15.4%. All these foods share a common factor: they tend to pose a high microbiological risk if not handled properly. General Objective: To characterize the informal food vendor population in the Los Centauros multifamily housing complex in Villavicencio, Meta. To identify the types of food sold in the informal sector. To understand the hygienic conditions for food sales in the informal sector. - Identify the variables that affect hygiene in food processing. Methodology: A series of elements and relationships were considered with a specific group (informal vendors) and a common problem (street vending) that share the same social setting (public space). A qualitative research approach was necessary for these elements, given that it studies reality in its natural context, attempting to understand the meaning of the experiences of its protagonists and those involved. Its design must be characterized by flexibility, which implies that changes or modifications may arise as the research develops, as long as the focus on the problem and the stated objectives are not lost. Results: The study conducted in the Centauros multifamily housing complex in the city of Villavicencio revealed the working and sanitary conditions under which food handling processes are carried out. This study encompassed 57.14% of all the stalls monitored, showing various deficiencies in hygiene, food handling, and access to basic services. Emphasis was placed on sanitary conditions; this characterization revealed that 37.5% of stalls lacked adequate access to potable water and 57.1% had significant deficiencies in sanitary facilities. The identification of the stalls showed that none had implemented a pest control system, and although some vendors reported having received adequate training in food handling, the results showed significant non-compliance.