ABSTRACT
The objective of this research work is to assess the hygienic and safety measures by canteen operations aimed at preventing food poisoning that may jeopardize their customers/patronizers health. The establishment of higher institution like the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Imo State University, almost in Orji, the Federal University of Technology, Ihiagwa all in Owerri North Local Government Area and these institutions attract students population. All these increased the demand for food canteens, some were hurriedly established without following the Local Government Area Bye-laws regulating the establishment and registration of food canteens. However the researcher used questionnaires to gather its data by sampling it to the respondents. The researcher find out that majority of the canteen do not meet with the standard specification recommended for canteens by the Local Government controlling bye-laws. It also reveal, that majority of the canteen operators use there canteen for sleeping/lodging and also the Health Officer visits the canteen only once in a year. The researcher however recommended that the Local Government area should recognize food hygiene and safety as a right of citizens hence all effort to stimulate it functioning must be supported, including where necessary, the provision of effective bye-laws to suit local needs.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 22
3.1 Area of study 22
3.2 Population 22
3.3 Sample size 22
3.4 Material of study 22
CHAPTER FOUR
4.1 RESULTS & ANALYSIS 23
CHAPTER FIVE
References 47
Appendix I 49
Appendix II 50
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY
Food canteens/Eating Houses are small, medium or large places concerned with commercial preparation (cooking) and selling of meals to people who felt like buying and eating outside their homes. The sizes of food canteens are predicted on the number of customer’s acceptability of their meals and expansibility of the environment. The more a canteen operator is able to attract larger customer, the more the need to expand arises and if the site is not expansible, the urge for an alternative site.
There has been an up surge in population growth and semi-urbanization of most of the adjoining towns to Owerri, many of which are in Owerri North L.G.A semi-urban towns in Uratta including Egbu/Emekuku axis etc. Imo State was created out of the defunct East central state of Nigeria in 1976 by the Military Regime of General Mortala Mohammed. Before this time, Owerri the capital of Imo State has remained a compact, concise and peaceful city.
With the creation of Imo State, Owerri its capital witnessed population explosion as government ministries increased the demand for rentable houses and accommodation in these semi-urban towns in Owerri North L.G.A thereby creating needs for supportive services like food canteens. Also, the establishment of tertiary institution like Imo State University, Federal Polytechnic and Federal University of Technology and other small scale and medium scale industries increased the population density there was need to provide food canteens which became highly demanded for this, many food canteens and way side eating houses spring up, some operated with local government food bye laws while others do not.
Most of these eating houses (canteens) started as food vendors that provided food to construction sites markets, off-campus student and business people who do not prepare their own foods or meals either because of lack of time, lack of cooking utensils or lack of interest in cooking their own foods.
According to the 1993 census figure available, Owerri North L.G.A has a population of about 509,464 people. This figure continued to rise almost on daily basis on the expansion of the capital city enlarges to many towns in this L.G.A.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
As the need for food and eating houses continue to increase and some are established and operated with utter disregard to the Local Government authorities and health officers primary known as sanitary inspectors are seen incapable of regulating monitoring of these canteens.
Apart from additional authority which are not fully harnessed either for the personal enrichment of their private pockets or due to other logistic problems that limit their operations and monitoring exercises. The health and general well-being of the work-force and students that patronize these canteens and eating houses and food vendors should attract the attention of government authorities to force-stall the outbreak of epidemics and health lizards. There are other vices and social materials that are associated with some canteens like rape and promiscuous atrocities as some of these canteens operate beyond mid-night.
Some food canteens operate on sub-standard and dirty environments thereby increasing health problems and grooming health lizards. A subtle look into the quality of foods (meals) and drinking water given to the customers who patronize these eating homes will reveal that most of them are sub-standard and unhealthy for human consumption. Man’s existence and healthy living is hinged on good Nutrition, of more concern is the hygiene conditions of the wares used in stoning the prepared foods and the plates, cups and catteries used in serving the gullible patronizes of these canteens. Most of the teem are not properly washed or covered prior to use.
These and more are my concern on carrying out this canteen operation better and suitable for human use.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
This research work is intended to;
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
This research work is more concerned about making canteen operations better and suitable for
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