Abstract:
The study aimed at the activities of traditional caterers and how it affects the food safety of their
customers. The population was ‘chopbar’ operators (traditional caterers) and customers at the
Kantamanto Market in Accra. Using simple random sampling, twenty (20) chopbar operators were
selected whiles eighty (80) customers who patronized these chopbars were conveniently selected.
The instruments used were questionnaires, interview schedules and checklists. Poor sanitary
conditions, poor personal hygiene, and pest infestation were identified. Findings uncovered
revealed Traditional caterers as unprofessional operators in the food industry who are in need of
in-service training to help them operate professionally. It was further revealed that, 100% of these
chopbar operators had undergone medical screening, but felt reluctant to get their staff medically
examined due to high staff turnover and the fact that they (the operators) had to foot the medical
bills. This revealed an alarming situation as the employees could be careers of communicable
diseases. Furthermore, though 100% customers had not experienced any food borne illness they
desired improvement in chop bar businesses due to the high possibility of contamination. It is
recommended, that Government through its agencies should intensify education to ensure good
sanitary practices and service delivery. Food policies and bye-laws should be reinforced and
monitored by Food and Drugs Authority and Ghana Tourism Authority.
