Regional consultation on safe street foods

Abstract

In recent years, "street foods" have assumed important cultural, economic and social dimensions. Civil and public health administrators have come to realize that "street foods" have significant economic potential, where food is made available at affordable prices to the lower and middle-income groups, particularly the urban middle classes. Selling of food by street vendors also generates employment for the unskilled and unemployed sections of societies. A comprehensive approach, based on ground realities, to meet the public health challenge posed by street foods' consumption, is required. A positive attitude and intersectoral coordination among major stakeholders are required for safe street foods. This report on the Regional Consultation on Safe Street Foods provides information about the definition, content, regulation and monitoring aspects as well as the overall principles and practices of safe street foods, as existing in Asian countries. The report includes national roadmaps for strengthening / promoting safe street foods in Asia as identified by these countries.