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Sustainable Packaging and Preservation Systems in Public Health Nutrition: A Case Study of Aba’s Vibrant Street Food Scene in Abia State, Nigeria

Kanu Micheal Iheanyichukwu, Chukwuemeka Stanley Nwakanma, Okereke Ijeoma, Patience

Abstract

Street food plays a critical role in urban nutrition and livelihoods in Nigeria, especially in Aba, Abia State—a commercial hub with a dynamic street food economy. However, the lack of sustainable packaging and preservation practices poses public health risks and environmental challenges. This study examines the intersection of packaging, preservation, and public health nutrition in Aba's street food system. Through field observations, surveys of vendors and consumers (n=200), and interviews with local health officials, the study finds that most vendors use non-biodegradable plastic packaging and lack adequate preservation methods, leading to increased foodborne illnesses and environmental waste. The paper recommends the adoption of eco-friendly packaging, improved regulatory frameworks, and training programs on sustainable food handling. These interventions are crucial to balancing nutrition, safety, and environmental sustainability in urban street food systems.

Keywords

Street foodSustainable packagingFood preservationPublic health nutritionAba

References

Adeyanju, A., & Ogunbanwo, S. T. (2020). Natural food preservatives in the Nigerian street food sector: Potential and challenges. African Journal of Food Science, 14(4), 89–98. Akinbode, S. O., & Dipeolu, A. O. (2019). Packaging and its impact on street food safety in Nigeria. African Journal of Food Science, 13(6), 102–109. FAO. (2019). Street Food Vending in Africa: The State of Play. Rome: FAO Publications. FAO. (2020). Street Food in Urban Ghana. Rome: FAO Publications. Kumar, A., Sharma, S., & Mehta, S. (2020). Sustainable food packaging: Trends, materials and emerging practices. Journal of Cleaner Production, 258, 120687. Mensah, P., Yeboah-Manu, D., Owusu-Darko, K., & Ablordey, A. (2002). Street foods in Accra, Ghana: how safe are they? Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 80(7), 546–554. Oguntona, T., Nnaji, M., & Ilesanmi, T. (2021). Biodegradable food packaging: Nigerian prospects and challenges. Journal of Environmental Management, 276, 111249. Wambugu, S. N., & Kimathi, D. N. (2018). Informal food vendors and sustainable food safety in Kenya. East African Journal of Public Health, 15(1), 45–52. WHO. (2015). WHO Estimates of the Global Burden of Foodborne Diseases. Geneva: World Health Organization.

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