This study was conducted assess sanitation practices among food handlers working in street restaurants of Satellite town, Rawalpindi. 100 food handlers working in street food establishments of Satellite Town area of Rawalpindi city were included in the sample. A descriptive study design was adopted. Information regarding their sanitation practices was collected using a structured questionnaire supplemented with an observation check list.
it was found Of the total respondents, 20 % stated not using soap in handwashing. 85% took leave from work when reported sick whereas out of the 15% who did not take leave, 46.7% feared cut in wages, 20% feared loss of job, 6.7% were not allowed by employer. Only 78% of the food handlers had access to toilet facility at their workplace. 37% reported waste disposal in covered bins. Only 68% appeared to be wearing clean clothes, 30% wore wearing aprons during work, 1% wore gloves, 3% wore hair covers.
it was thus concluded that practices regarding waste disposal and storage of cooked food were not up to the mark. The use of protective wear like aprons, hair covers and gloves was practically non existent.
Key words: Food, sanitation, hand disinfection
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