Hygienic measures and the perceived product quality of street foods during COVID-19 pandemic in Davao City

Abstract

One of the most popular small companies nowadays is the street food industry. Street food sellers understood the need for food safety, but could have been more effective at putting it into practice, especially when handling food safely. This study aims to establish hygienic measures and perceived product quality of street foods during the Covid-19 pandemic in Davao City. The study used a descriptive-correlational research design and convenience sampling technique of one hundred fifty consumers in Davao City. Also, an adapted a questionnaire was exploited, and the outcomes were statistically handled using frequency, percentage, and mean, standard deviation, and Pearson r. Furthermore, the study revealed high hygienic measures of Street Foods during the Covid-19 pandemic in Davao City, including its indicators of Food Preparation Safety, Vendors’ Hygiene, and Environmental Exposure to Food. The study also revealed a high level of consumers' perception of product quality. Furthermore, a significant relationship exists between Hygienic Measures and the Perceived Product Quality of street foods in Davao City. To ensure food quality, government agencies must perform routine inspections, collect food samples from street food sellers, and establish rules on the food vendors' hygiene. They should have a proper waste management system in place.