Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences

Abstract

Assessment of Fruit Management in Gondar town Markets of North Western Ethiopia

Asmaru Gultie, Samuel Sahile & Subramanian, C.

Fruits are highly perishable and affected by different microbial contaminates from production to consumption. The objective of this study was to evaluate fruit management from Gondar town market. The management of fruits was assessed through interview and observation regarding to handling practice, hygienic condition of fruit handlers, problems related to transportation and sanitary condition of the marketing places. Among 32 fruit venders interviewed, their gender, age and educational levels were quantified. Majority of the fruit venders were illiterate females aged ≤ 20 years. Most of the fruit venders were not aware of food born diseases through unhygienic fruits consumption. Majority of the respondents said that the transport system for fruits had sanitary problems but none of them washed fruits before selling. Loss of fruit due to spoilage and physically injury were common problems for all fruit venders. Evidence obtained from the observation about handling practices showed that all the fruit marketing areas were not functional only for fruits. Different commodities were processed in the shop. During the time of observation 62.5 % fruit marketing areas were saturated with dust and different dirty matter and fourteen of the handlers did not wear clean and appropriate cloths.

Published Date: 2013-09-06;