PARASITOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH FOOD VENDING IN CALABAR, NIGERIA

Abstract

Food vending plays a vital role in the urban food supply in Calabar, Nigeria, yet the safety of water used by vendors remains a major public health concern. This study assessed the parasitological contamination of water and environmental hygiene conditions associated with food vendors across four locations in Calabar Metropolis. A total of 120 water samples (before and after customer hand-washing) were collected and analyzed using the sedimentation technique, while structured questionnaires and observational checklists captured vendors’ hygiene practices and environmental conditions. Results showed an overall parasite contamination prevalence of 31.7%, with higher contamination before hand-washing (35.0%) than after (28.3%). Anantigha (56.7%) and 8th Mile (43.3%) recorded the highest contamination levels. Three parasite species—Ascaris lumbricoides (15.8%), Entamoeba histolytica (10.0%), and Giardia lamblia (5.3%)—were identified. Many vendors relied on water from unknown sources (51.4%), and environmental assessment revealed significant fly presence (65.7%) and proximity to refuse dumps (17.1%). Despite most vendors wearing protective clothing, sanitation gaps persisted. The findings demonstrate considerable parasitic risks associated with water used by food vendors in Calabar and highlight the need for improved hygiene practices, regulated water sources, routine monitoring, and strengthened public health education to reduce transmission.