Food safety is a scientific discipline describes handling, preparation and storage of food that prevents food borne diseases.It includes a number of ways that must be followed to avoid potentially severe health hazards.The tracks within this line of thought are safety between the market and consumer. With the fast pace of life the consumption of fast food is going to increase day by day in Lahore. It is imperative to prepare food at good hygienic conditions because of its perishability. The usual thougt is that food should be safe in the market and the concern is safe delivery and preparation of food for the consumer.
Microorganisms affecting food comes from natural micro flora or are introduced by manufacturing steps ranging from processing storage and distribution. In some cases these micro flora have no effect on the food and can be consumed without consequence, but those that are introduced during course of processing depending on type and level of contamination can spoil the food and cause food borne illnesses.
Food can transmit diseases from one person to another as well as serve as growth medium for bacteria that can cause food poisonoing. In the developed countries there are standards for food, whereas in less developed countries the main issue is the availability of safe water supply which is one of the critical item.
The present research work was undertaken to investigate the microbial count in shawarma which is a vended food. Samples collected from Anarkali,Wahdat road and Islampura showed high microbial count which shows contamination due to poor handling and hygienic conditions and improper storage conditionswhile the samples taken from Fortress, Gulberg having less microbial count as compared to these areas.
High microbial load in street foods occur due to improper food handling, unhygienic food preparation and processing, cooking and storage at inappropriate temperature. Consumer, food vendors and all type people should be aware of food hygiene, public health, implications of consuming contaminated foods, causative diseases. Food safety rules and implementation of food regulatory laws in food preparation, serving and preservation should be strongly maintained to avoid contamination problems and food-borne diseases.
Following points should be strongly observed and maintained for future work and further investigative study to improve the quality of shawarama.
1. Ensuring regular inspection and periodical check on these food preparation procedures.
2.Continuous lab test and analytical lab analysis to check the unwanted presence of any new
harmful agents in these foods to ensure food safety for consumers.